Spotlight!
Chimpanzee quits smoking after 16 years
By Islandevents
Oct 4, 2005, 12:12

Smoking is never good for one's health and after 16 years, 27 -year old chimpanzee, Ai Ai has finally given up smoking. The chimp, who lives in a northwest China zoo has finally quit smoking with the help of her keepers who were worried about her health.

They reportedly weaned the chimp off tobacco by distracting her with entertainment and a tastier diet, according to a report from the Xinhua news agency. The report went on to state that the zoo keepers tried every way to divert her attention from cigarette's including taking her for walks after breakfast, treating her to a music session after lunch and gym after dinner.

"In the first few days, she squealed for cigarettes every now and then," said one zoo keeper, adding, "as her life became more colourful, she gradually forgor about them."

Ai Ai's habit was attributed to solitude and grief after the death of her mate in 1989. She then became a chain smoker after her second mate died in 1997 and her daughter was moved to another zoo. The report did not say who provided the chimp with cigarettes.