Although many of those who see her only consider her an entertainment attraction for behavior, in reality, “Susy the chimpanzee” is an example of a species in danger of extinction, since its habitat is being destroyed.
Susy, who should be correctly called an ape, has been raised in captivity since what is considered her adolescence at the Centenario Zoo in Mérida. She is currently 48 years old, being in her old age.
“She came to the Centenario to be cared for and pampered,” said Liliana Fernández Aguilar, a biologist who works at the Centenario and is one of Susy’s caretakers.
The specialist indicated that visitors said that she was already dead, which is false because several people have anecdotes about how restless she was and she is no longer.
Some remember that she showed her teeth, jumped from side to side, and even threw excrement at them, which for humans was something funny, although for her it was a sign of invasion of her space, she said.
Biologist Fernández Aguilar shared aspects that citizens should take into account when visiting these animals, in which she suggests being more respectful of them.
“People tend to humanize animals and think that certain attitudes are because they like people when the truth is the animals are just stressed or upset. When the chimpanzee shows her teeth people think she is smiling, but in reality, it is a sign of aggression as if saying ‘get out of the way, look at my fangs, how big they are,’” the specialist explained.
Liliana Fernández shared that her behaviors such as the one known as “sending kisses” that Susy did, far from a sign of affection, are a sign of stress, seeking to get people to go away.
“Because of her age, she no longer has the same behaviors as before; however, these are actions that can be recurrent,” she indicated.
Susy, due to her species and her advanced age, is an animal that requires a lot of care, she continued.
According to the biologist, in captivity this animal can live approximately 60 years, being considered a geriatric specimen.
Among the care that Susy receives, she is given vitamins and special kibble, of which there are three types and which are only supplied to zoos. “These kibbles provide fiber and minerals.”
-Susie is also given “popsicles” or frozen fruit for the hot season, green leaves, and vegetables, and receives operant training that consists of reducing her stress, such as taking out her finger to take a glucose sample or opening her mouth for dental cleaning-, the expert explained.
Liliana Fernández concluded that Susy’s caretakers face many difficulties in giving her the best life possible, mostly due to her advanced age.
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