Susie, the oldest living chimpanzee in human care in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), is turning 71. A celebration honoring Susie will take place at 11:45 a.m. on June 12 at the chimp exhibit. The theme of the celebration will be “The Queen Wears Black.” The zoo will provide enrichment and birthday activities for guests.
Born in 1954, Susie arrived at Sunset Zoo in 1974. She is the matriarch of the chimpanzee troop that also includes Julian (46), Hazina (38), Hususa (33) and Koto (12).
The birthday celebration has become a tradition for the zoo, as Susie has now lived more than three decades beyond the average chimpanzee lifespan in the wild, according to zoo officials.
