A Bond Built Over 15 Years
Anna, a senior primate keeper, had known Copa for 15 years. He was the sanctuary’s oldest resident, a 45-year-old chimp rescued from a bankrupt roadside zoo where he had spent his entire life in a cramped concrete cage.
Copa had always been anxious and cautious around strangers. Anna was the only person he had ever fully trusted.
But over the past month, Copa’s health had sharply declined. His aging body was failing. For the last 48 hours, he had stopped eating and refused to take water from the staff. He simply sat in the corner of his habitat, facing the wall.
When the Vet Team Said It Was Time
The veterinary team explained that nothing more could be done. Copa was clearly uncomfortable, and his condition was beyond recovery.
Anna couldn’t bear the thought of him dying feeling alone in a cage again. She took a soft comb—something he had always enjoyedm and did something she wasn’t allowed to do: she entered the enclosure and sat on the ground, pulling his frail, thinning body gently into her lap.
Offering Comfort in His Final Moments
He was so light. He released a long, exhausted sigh and rested his head against her. For the first time in two days, his body softened.
With tears in her voice, Anna began to softly comb the thin gray hair on his head.
“Hey old man”, she whispered, her heart breaking. “I’ve got you. It’s okay. I know, I know. You’re tired. You’re safe now, all right? I’m right here.”
Copa wasn’t an exhibit. He was an old friend who was afraid, and she was promising to stay with him until the very end.