JACKSON, Miss.- The Jackson Zoo has reported the devastating loss of Missy, the chimpanzee matriarch. She died Tuesday Aug. 9th.
She passed away at the age of 35, just one day short of her birthday, Aug. 10.
She was born at the zoo in 1980 and was the mate to the late Jojo, and mother to Pablo and Mojo. Pablo is currently at the Sacramento Zoo, on loan. Mojo is still in Jackson and is a zoo favorite.
She was named Missy in honor of her home state Mississippi and she was the one who kept the peace among the chimp colony.
The average lifespan for a chimpanzee is 30-40 years. While Missy was being watched by veterinarians for some medical issues her death was not expected.
