Detroit Zoo chimp collapses and dies in Ape Exhibit

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Akati at the Detroit Zoo

The Detroit Zoo is mourning the sudden death of one of their chimps. Akati collapsed and died Tuesday morning at the Great Apes exhibit. She was 28 years old.

The zoo says she was a lovely, intelligent being and a wonderful mother to Ajua, 7, and Akira, 4. 

As with all animals that die at the Detroit Zoo, an animal autopsy will be performed. The zoo says their staff and volunteers will miss her very much.

According to CenterforGreatApes.org, the life span for chimpanzees is 40 to 50 years in the wild and around 50 to 60 years in captivity.