This week we said goodbye to Stirlene .
Stirlene was born on October 28, 2003 and came to Project Chimps on May 17, 2017. He was one of 15 chimpanzees in a social group that includes Bo residing in Cedar Tree. Stirlene came to us from New Iberia Research Center. After 14 years in medical research laboratory, Stirlene was 19 and had lived with us here at Project Chimps for six years.
Our veterinary team anesthetized him two weeks ago to provide him fluids and medications after observation of seasonal cold symptoms, fatigue after exertion and continued lethargic behavior. Xrays and bloodwork to look for a deeper cause to his failure to rebound, along with specific labs were run to compare Stirlene’s recent illness with that of Tabby, whom we lost earlier this month. Results are still pending and more information will be shared upon completion.
While the procedure two weeks ago was successful, he continued to fail to rebound fully. He ate and drank, but got weaker and more lethargic. Two weeks after the first exam, we sedated him again to provide additional hands-on support and run additional bloodwork. Unfortunately, the second round of bloodwork showed that his body was shutting down and we made the decision for a humane euthanasia.
While chimps can live into their 50s, according to the Lincoln Park Zoo ChimpDATA, the median life expectancy of a chimpanzee in captivity is 32.5 for males and 40.1 for females.
Stirlene’s remains will be cremated and planted with a native/fruit tree on the grounds of Project Chimps in a future Remembrance Garden. The memorial site will be marked by a plaque with his name. Donations made in memory of Stirlene are welcome and can be made here: https://projectchimps.org/donate/
