Suzie the Sumatran orangutan died Saturday night at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville. She was in her early 50s.
Zookeepers believe Suzie died of natural causes, according to a news release.
“In her later years, Suzie became a rather accomplished artist, and used water-based paints and a brush to create paintings that were occasionally sold to raise funds for the Zoo’s conservation projects,” according to the news release. “Her death is a great loss to the Gladys Porter Zoo family, and she will be greatly missed.”
Suzie arrived at the Gladys Porter Zoo in July 1970. She raised children and grandchildren at the zoo.
“She not only raised her babies but she also raised one of her daughter’s babies. She was a good grandma,” said zoo Facilities Director Jerry Stones, who welcomed Suzie to the zoo nearly 46 years ago. “She was always very healthy. She ate well, was very friendly, and got along well with all the keepers. She and Associate Curator Freddy Reyna worked together for 40 years.”
