Old age claim lives of monkey, bear at Jackson Zoo

Published 3:31 pm Monday, November 26, 2018

JACKSON (AP) — A Mississippi zoo says two of its animals recently died from health problems caused by old age.

The Jackson Zoo says both the American Black Bear and Diana Guenon monkey lived twice as long as their typical life expectancies.

The zoo says the 19-year-old bear named “Tank” was found dead on Oct. 25 after eating dinner the night before and showing no sign of illness. Officials say the bear appear to die from an age-related problem like heart disease.

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The zoo says female Diana Guenon monkey “Danielle” was euthanized on Nov. 20.

The Clarion Ledger reported that a zoo news release says the monkey’s health rapidly declined.
Interim Director David Wetzel says the Jackson Zoo is nearly 100 years old and has a number of older animals.