Shudak was 48 years old and had lived at Rolling Hills Zoo for nearly 29 years. He arrived in 1997 as one of the zoo’s original four chimpanzees after beginning life as a research chimpanzee at the Primate Foundation of Arizona, and the zoo describes him as a longtime part of its “family,” including his work as an ambassador for his species.
The zoo shared several details about Shudak’s life there, including that he greeted keepers each morning, had a favorite snack of grapes, and loved racing caregivers through the habitat. It also noted a moment when he grabbed a snake and tossed it out of the habitat, earning him the nickname “Captain Shudak.”
Rolling Hills Zoo said Shudak was involved in interactions with guests over the years, including visits from Dr. Jane Goodall, who spent time with him during trips to the zoo. The zoo asked the public to keep its animal care team in their thoughts as it navigates the loss.