Margarete is the oldest chimpanzee living at the Great Apes Sanctuary of Sorocaba, in São Paulo, Brazil. She is approximately 55 years old and has lived at the Sanctuary since 2002.

Despite the difficult life she endured while being exploited in a circus and as a breeding female at the former commercial breeding facility that operated in southern Brazil, she is an example when it comes about chimpanzee longevity.

But how long does a chimpanzee actually live? When we talk about longevity, there is no single number that applies to every individual.
Chimpanzees are long-lived primates, and their life expectancy is influenced by many factors, including their environment, diet, illnesses, husbandry conditions and, above all, each animal’s life history.

In populations under human care, studies indicate an average life expectancy of approximately 35–40 years, but some individuals may live beyond 50 or 60 years, as it is the case with Margarete.

However, more than talking about how many years a chimpanzee can live, we need to talk about how those years are lived.

An animal that reaches old age carrying the consequences of a life of mistreatment may have very different needs from an individual who has had access to proper care throughout their life.

That is why longevity and quality of life must go hand in hand. Growing old is part of life. Growing old with dignity is our responsibility. Check a special content we have prepared on this topic (in Portuguese).

Images and content by:


Camila Gentile, veterinarian at the Great Apes Sanctuary of Sorocaba

Leonardo Espindola, biologist at the Great Apes Sanctuary of Sorocaba

Maria Fernanda Statkevicius, veterinarian at the Great Apes Sanctuary of Sorocaba

Meire Mi, photographer and coordinator at the Great Apes Sanctuary of Sorocaba

Video of Margarete climbing a tree in her enclosure – https://youtube.com/shorts/UexZMIbnfCQ?feature=share