LP Zoo Chimp Dies, Six Others Sick

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Mar 26, 2009 7:00PM

Some sad news from the Lincoln Park Zoo where Kipper, 9-year-old male chimp, died yesterday and six other chimps are also ailing. Spokeswoman Sharon Dewar said Kipper developed pneumonia in both of his lungs but the cause of his infection won't be known for up to two weeks as the zoo awaits the results of a necropsy. She added, "We are guessing it's a virus, but we don't really know exactly what it is. Six other chimps have shown cold-like symptoms and the zoo is doing their best to prevent the spread of any illness. Said Dewar, "We are doing everything to minimize the chance of that happening...this is really a difficult time for our team at the zoo." [Sun-Times]