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Parviz, Iran’s oldest chimpanzee, dies at 70
According to the zoo’s public relations office, Parviz passed away peacefully while resting in his enclosure. The chimpanzee had been a symbol of the zoo since its establishment and was widely known among visitors, ILNA reported.
Zoo veterinarian Ali Taheri said Parviz had exhibited signs of illness over the past ten days, including weakness and loss of appetite. Medical examinations revealed a severe arrhythmia, an extremely weak pulse, and pale mucous membranes, indicative of significant age-related health deterioration.
Qassem Mohammadi, director of Eram Zoo, previously stated that around 60 percent of the zoo’s animals are elderly. Efforts had been made to transfer the aging chimpanzee group to a specialized sanctuary in Kenya and bring in a younger troop, but negotiations remain unresolved.
Parviz, a well-recognized figure at the zoo, also had a brief stint in cinema, having appeared in a feature film during his lifetime.
Chimpanzees share approximately 98.6 percent of their genetic makeup with humans, making them our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom. Known for their intelligence, complex social behaviors, and ability to use tools, chimpanzees are considered one of the most remarkable species.