OKC Zoo chimpanzee dies unexpectedly

The Oklahoma City Zoo announced Wednesday that Mwami, a 36-year-old chimpanzee, died unexpectedly on Friday, Feb. 7.

Zoo officials said Mwami underwent a routine health exam and dental surgery that day and appeared to be in good health. After the procedure, he was transported to the Great EscApe habitat for monitoring as he recovered from anesthesia. While recovering, he went into cardiac arrest and died despite caretakers’ attempts to resuscitate him, the zoo said.

Caretakers described Mwami as having a big personality and enjoying enrichment activities, training, and gathering his favorite foods to carry in his hands and feet.