Oklahoma City Zoo announce unexpected loss of chimpanzee Mwami

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - The Oklahoma City Zoo on Wednesday announced the unexpected passing of 36-year-old chimpanzee Mwami.

According to Zoo officials, On Friday, Feb. 7, Mwami underwent a routine health exam and dental surgery on Friday while appearing to be in good health.

The Zoo says, following the examination, Mwami was transported from the Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital to the Great EscApe habitat, where he was monitored in recovery from anesthesia.

While in recovery, Mwami went into cardiac arrest, and caretakers and the veterinary team tried to resuscitate him, but unfortunately, Mwami passed away.

Zoo caretakers shared on Facebook that Mwami had a big personality and loved enrichment while participating in training.

“Mwami was a wonderful ambassador for his species and a vital member of our troop. He was an amazing foster dad to three offspring, always patient and playful with the little chimps, and a great role model for our younger male, Ruben,” said Pace Frank, Assistant Curator of Primates. “He was loved by many and will be missed.”

Read more about Mwami by clicking here.