Tulsa Zoo's 20-year-old chimp Alvin dies
BY SARA PLUMMER World Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
3/28/12 at 2:53 PM
The Tulsa Zoo’s 20-year-old male chimpanzee Alvin died Tuesday after being treated following a fight with other chimps.
Zoo veterinarian Kay Backues said in a news release that the wounds weren’t the cause of death. After being stabilized and treated for lacerations on his hands, feet and body following the fight on Saturday, Alvin was given pain medications and monitored.
On Tuesday he stopped breathing, and zoo staff administered CPR and cardiac rescue medications, but Alvin did not respond, according to zoo officials.
A necropsy -- an animal autopsy -- showed Alvin had heart disease and evidence of some kidney function impairment.
The altercation happened Saturday between Alvin and other chimps, including a female chimp zoo staff were hoping to mate.
During his treatment for lacerations and defensive wounds, he continued to be responsive, took antibiotics and other medications and ate and drank normally.
On Monday, Alvin underwent anesthesia, and full examination was done.
Alvin was one of three males in the Tulsa Zoo’s chimpanzee group including 25-year-old Morris and 4-year-old Bernsen, Alvin’s son. Alvin also had a daughter, Vindi.
Associated Images:
The Tulsa Zoo’s 20-year-old male chimpanzee Alvin died Tuesday after being treated following a fight with other chimps.
Alvin, the father, and Jodi the mother interact with their baby chimpanzee at the Tulsa Zoo in 2007. Alvin died Tuesday following treatment after an altercation with another chimp. TOM GILBERT/Tulsa World
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