The Oregon Zoo’s chimpanzee Delilah, a friend of primatologist Jane Goodall, is celebrating her 50th birthday on Thursday.
Delilah was born at the Oregon Zoo (formerly Portland Zoological Gardens) on May 25, 1973.
According to zoo officials, their work with chimps drew the attention of globally-recognized conservationist Jane Goodall, who they say “visited regularly, getting to know Delilah and the others.”
“During Delilah’s early years, Dr. Goodall helped the zoo find funding for a big outdoor area to house all the chimps,” said Kate Gilmore, who oversees the zoo’s new primate area that opened in 2020. “The Primate Forest habitat was inspired by those early developments, and we’re so happy that Delilah gets to enjoy it during her golden years.”
Footage recorded by Delilah:
At half a century old, Delilah is one of the zoo’s oldest residents – next to fellow chimpanzees Jackson, 51, and Chloe, 54.
The zoo said all three of them have lived past the average life expectancy for chimpanzees, which is around 33 years in the wild and nearly 42 years at zoos.
More from the Oregon Zoo
As part of Metro, the Oregon Zoo helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Committed to conservation, the zoo is working to save endangered California condors, northwestern pond turtles, Oregon silverspot butterflies and northern leopard frogs.
Support from the Oregon Zoo Foundation enhances and expands the zoo’s efforts in conservation, education and animal welfare. Members, donors and corporate and foundation partners help the zoo make a difference across the region and around the world. To contribute, go to oregonzoo.org/give.
To plan your trip, go to oregonzoo.org/visit. For more information on getting to the zoo, visit Explore Washington Park.