PALM HARBOR, Fla. — One of the oldest chimpanzees in the world celebrated her 76th birthday on Jan. 7 in Palm Harbor.

Miss Sheila enjoyed carrot cake, balloons, bubbles and gifts on her birthday at the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary.

What You Need To Know

  • According to the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary, Sheila is the third oldest chimpanzee in the world 

  • She goes by Miss Sheila and turned 76 years old in January

  • Sheila recently celebrated her special day with a birthday party

“There is something very special about Sheila. Sheila, our records indicate, is about 76 years old,” Laurie Weltz, the sanctuary’s VP and Director of Great Apes, said. “Which makes her, with our research, the third oldest chimp in the world. The second oldest in the United States.”

Sheila, who was once a pet, has been at the sanctuary for years now, which Laurie credits to her living longer.

“Chimps normally in the wild live into their 40s if they’re lucky,” said Laurie. “Chimps in captivity can live much longer due to the great care they get.”

Despite Sheila’s age, Laurie said she still has a lot of personality.

“We like to say a sassy, older gal,” she said.

Laurie also said Sheila’s favorite thing to do is to snuggle with her blanket.

“Her favorite is to make blanket nests. So, in the morning when we come in, she’ll peek her head out of the blanket and we’ll say good morning and she’s all snuggled up,” Laurie said. “She’s living her best life here and we make sure that she is taken care of properly.”

The sanctuary is also home to other primate friends — 8 other chimps, 3 orangutans and about 40 monkeys among other animals.