John Ball Zoo, which Revue named the best large-scale Attraction in West Michigan in 2024, has been a staple of Grand Rapids for years. In fact, the park has been undergoing its largest expansion since its opening.

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Sadly, one of the park's most beloved and well-known animals will not be there when the park reopens next season after the Zoo took to Facebook to announce the passing of Peggy the Chimpanzee.

⬇️20 ZOO ANIMALS RECEIVING THEIR ANNUAL WEIGH-INS⬇️

John Ball Zoo via Facebook
John Ball Zoo via Facebook
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Peggy the 55-year-old Chimp

If you've been to John Ball Zoo (JBZ) anytime since 2001, you've seen Peggy the Chimpanzee. After spending 29 years at other zoos, Peggy landed at JBZ and has stayed here since. As she got older, she became the "sassy" elder of the chimpanzee troop. Visitors to the zoo fell in love with the faces she would make and her "signature screams".

John Ball Zoo via Facebook
John Ball Zoo via Facebook
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The animal care team noticed recently that her health was deteriorating before passing away in her sleep. The team said the other chimps were able to say their goodbyes. Peggy is a bit of a chimpanzee anomaly: she lived past the average age of 40, making it to age 55, 24 of those years with JBZ. Her long life is a testament to the care she received.

READ MORE: Farewell to Kiume: John Ball Zoo’s Beloved Lion Set to Depart |

Chimpanzees are a unique species when it comes to death and dying. They show a range of emotions and reactions, ranging from grooming to performing an overnight vigil. John Ball Zoo is currently closed for the season but will reopen on March 22nd.

Photo by Margaux Ansel on Unsplash
Photo by Margaux Ansel on Unsplash
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