Zoo's oldest chimpanzee that once escaped has died

Koko was Whipsnade Zoo's oldest chimpanzee

A chimpanzee that once had to be recaptured after escaping a zoo has died.

Koko had been Whipsnade Zoo's oldest chimpanzee but had to be euthanised at the age of 52 after suffering from age-related arthritis in her hands.

Keepers at the Bedfordshire site noticed she had been unable to use her right arm or leg properly while walking and was not responding to treatment.

The chimpanzee lived at the zoo for 19 years. During that time she met pioneering scientist Dame Jane Goodall, who died at the age of 91 in September.

Teague Stubbington, curator of mammals at Whipsnade Zoo, said: "Koko lived an incredibly long and full life, a reflection of the dedication and care shown to her by her keepers and vets.

"Those who worked with her formed a deep and lasting connection, and she will be remembered fondly as a sweet and special member of the chimpanzee troop."

A chimpanzee named Boris lived until the age of 58 before his death at Chester Zoo last year.

Koko had escaped from the zoo in 2007

Koko was born at Dudley Zoo in the West Midlands in 1973 but moved to London Zoo when she was nine. She arrived at Whipsnade when she was aged 33.

In 2007, Koko was recaptured after briefly escaping her enclosure with another chimpanzee.

Her fellow escapee, Johnnie, was killed due to the threat he posed to the public.

During her time at the zoo she was trained to wear finger monitors, which gathered ECG readings and conducted ultrasound examinations.

Whipsnade Zoo said the data from these tests have been used to learn more about chimpanzee cardiovascular health.

Mr Stubbington continued: "This data was shared with the Great Ape Heart Project, to help create a centralised database... fuelling important research projects, as well as ensuring primates receive the best possible care at conservation centres around the world.

"The primate team will now focus on taking care of the rest of the troop at Whipsnade - Bonnie, Elvis, Grant and Phil."