Mysore : The Zoo Management is regretted to inform the Public that the Veteran & handsome Chimpanzee “Wali” died at early hours today as he was not feeling well for the last fortnight due to old age related health conditions. He was not interested in taking food and remained dull. Despite necessary treatment, the animal succumbed to quiet and peaceful death .

“Wali” was born in Mysore Zoo to the parents “Max” and “Meena ” on 1.12.1962, and he was  52 years old. At his birth his mother refused feeding to him and hence it was hand reared from its childhood. He was more close to the keepers and Zoo staff rather than other Chimpanzees. He was remained alone without mixing with other mates and he was fondly called Zoo “Bheeshma”  living solitary life. However in his last days he was friendly and comfortable with female Chimpanzee Ganga who is 58 years old.

There were two  younger brothers of wali namely “Kapil” and Sugreev. Kapil was born on the day of victory of the world cup by Indian Cricket team  led by captain “Kapil Dev” on 25th June 1983, hence the Chimp was named as “Kapil”.  Later “kapil” was spared to Baroda Zoo on animal exchange and it is learnt he died some 15 years back. “Sugreeva” died in the Zoo due to gastro enteritis in the year 1985-86.

“Wali”  was most attractive and very friendly to visitors. He was very much   responding to their call, with clapping, whistling and many visitors used to spend most of the time watching the activities of “Wali” and thus it has become very popular individual of this Zoo.

The animal lead its maximum life in captivity and the death may be due to senility.  The exact cause of the death will be made known after conducting postmortem. In the wild chimpanzees live for 35 to 40 years.

The entire Zoo fraternity condole the death of great “Wali” and prays the almighty for peace to the departed soul.
Mysore Zoo has left with Guru, Ganga, Mirella and Mason and two males and one female Chimp are expected to join them from Singapore Zoological Gardens.