Zoo Erect Sign Explaining Monkey Is Lonely After Partner Of 45 Years Dies


Staff at a zoo have erected a sign explaining that one of their monkeys is sad because his partner of 45 years died.

Toto the chimp had been living with Topsy since 1969, and she died eight years ago. Hoards of visitors to Drayton Manor Zoo in Tamworth, Staffordshire had expressed their concern about Toto as they said that he was lonely and should be provided with a friend.

However, employees at the zoo have now erected a sign to explain that he is missing his mate and that he is too old to have a new one.

The couple were inseparable during their 45 years together, and, after her death, workers considered putting Toto in a new home alongside another chimpanzee. However, they were instead warned that they shouldn’t move Toto because he had been in his abode for so long.

A spokesman for the zoo remarked, “We decided that rather than attempt to introduce him to a new group, the best course of action for Toto was to remain at Drayton Manor Zoo, the only home he has ever known, in the care of keepers who know and love him.”

They also added that it would be too dangerous to introduce the elderly,and single animal into a new group.

The sign that has been erected explains, “We took the decision to let him live out his remaining days here in the place he knew well with the staff who had looked after him from a youngster.”

It then added, “We did not feel trying to introduce a new partner was the answer, as when he eventually dies we would be left in the same situation. We fully understand that not everyone agrees with our decision, but we stand by it and have the support of our licensing authority and zoo inspectors.”

[Image via Dariush M/Shutterstock]

Share this article: Zoo Erect Sign Explaining Monkey Is Lonely After Partner Of 45 Years Dies
More from Inquisitr