The first ever chimpanzee to call the Sedgwick County Zoo, (SCZ), home, as died.
In a news release, zoo officials said that Audra, 51, passed away on Sunday. She arrived July 28, 1972, when she was two years old. She gave birth to Mwana, the first ape to be born at SCZ in 1984. She would give birth 6 more times, contributing to the growth of the chimpanzee population. Her offspring still living at SCZ are Mwana (36), Sukari (24), and Mabusu (10). Audra was very close with her children and loved to spend her days relaxing with them.
According to Audra’s caretakers, she was a spunky little lady with plenty of attitude. She deeply touched the hearts of everyone who had the privilege to get to know and care for her.
Audra was being treated for age-related health issues and ongoing medical concerns including heart disease and her condition deteriorated rapidly on the morning of Sunday, June 27. Due to her advanced heart disease, the prognosis for recovery was poor. Zoo veterinary staff, along with Audra’s keepers, made the very difficult decision to humanely euthanize her.
The other chimpanzees in the group were able to see Audra after she passed in order to process her death appropriately. They will be closely monitored over the next few days to ensure their mental health and overall welfare.