Smoking Chimpanzee Dies in S.Africa Zoo

A chimpanzee known for smoking cigarettes has died at a South African Zoo. The Bloemfontein Zoo says Charlie passed away Tuesday at the age of 52, at least ten years beyond the average life span for chimpanzees. The zoo tried to help Charlie stop smoking, but visitors kept giving him cigarettes.

An autopsy will be done to determine if Charlie's love of smoking was a factor in his death. Charlie was on a special diet of protein shakes and vitamins, and was receiving special care. The zoo believes he died from old age.