Oregon Zoo Says Goodbye To Elderly Chimp Leah

The Oregon Zoo was saddened today by the loss of one of its oldest and most beloved residents. Leah, a chimpanzee who was known for her sweet demeanor and who helped launch a decades-long friendship with renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, passed away in her sleep last night, according to care staff.

At 47, Leah was one of the oldest animals at the zoo but still considered the “baby” of Portland’s very elderly chimp group. She is survived by her big sister Delilah, who turns 49 next month; male chimp Jackson, 50; and the troop leader Chloe, 53.

[alishiabenedict]

I remember seeing Leah almost every time I went to the Oregon zoo. Good bye Leah! You will be missed and forever loved.

[chrysantha]

there's a new star in the sky tonight and Leah is it's name...may she shine brightly forever.

[thegadflygang]

This sweet old girl is almost the same age as me so I take offense to "ELDERLY" being used, but in all sincerity Leah is the best. She was a zoo legend for regulars and tourists alike.

We are all so thankful to have had her as long as we did and she will be missed. Just a gentle and sweet lady

[scrubjay]

Leah was born when I was a volunteer at the (now defunct) Portland Zoo Research Center at around 13 or 14. I was lucky enough to see Jane Goodall in Portland in the mid-70s as well and she would always visit the Portland Zoo chimps, some of whom were learning sign language. I'm glad she didn't have to live too long in the old-style cages that the chimpanzees used to be in and I'm sure she had a wonderful adult life with all her buddies, human and chimpanzee. It must be heartbreaking for her keepers to lose such a wonderful old gal. 😞 Rest in peace Leah. ❤

[kimberlyborrowdale]

A friend of mine volunteers at Oregon Zoo, and one of the things volunteers did was to make quilts for the chimps. She said the matriarch would chew a hole in the middle of her quilt and wear it as a poncho. I wonder if that was Leah. Thank you this celebration of her life.

[lalousiane]

Blessed Rest Leah! You will be missed, but not forgotten. 🥺🙏💜🌈

[LexYeen]

At least she lived a good life and was somewhere comfortable.

[GreekGypsy]

So sorry for your loss. It looked like Leah was well loved and taken care of. 🙏 ❤

[BigBossMan]

I saw Leah a few weeks ago when I visited the zoo. Your chimps are so lovely. I'm sure they all miss her, too, as will you. My condolences.

[laurenwood]

Happy trails Leah. You gave humans knowledge and shared your life with them. Thanks to you. Rest in peace my dear Leah.

[nanciebarnett]

RIP sweet Leah. You are loved and will be greatly missed. 💔❤️

[seasonsofphilly]

My condolences to Leah's keepers. I'm sure they'll miss her greatly. I don't know how her troop grieves, but I'm sure they will miss Leah.

[ruthresetar]

Thank you for taking such good care of her all these years.

[imogen]

I’m so sorry for your loss. She had an amazing life.

[tugstravels]

You will be missed sweet soul. Thank you for 47 years of bringing joy to so many. Rest in peace Leah. 💜

[jennyd]

This is so sad! Leah, you will be missed by so many!

[gaynel]

Rest well, Leah, you will be missed. Thank you to the wonderful chimp staff who have Leah the best zoo life she could ever have. My condolences to all of you at this sad time of Leah's passing.

[annvanwesten]

So very sorry. I know her team is grieving her passing. 😢

[darcylovinger]

Lots of love going out to her caregivers, I’m sure this is especially difficult for them 😔

[cathleenmaine-rozell]

Well loved and obliviously well cared for! ❤️ 💙 💜