Charlie. Photo courtesy of Nancy Gladney.

You shall be missed Charlie! Thanks for being one of the reasons why I love the Oregon Zoo!
-- Angie, Portland, OR

Charlie was an icon at the zoo. I will always fondly remember his zesty personality and games of chase. He will be missed.
-- Tia, Hillsboro, OR

So sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. He was one of my favorites to visit and quite a character. He will be missed by all.
Kellie, Portland, OR

I saw Charlie just today as i was visiting the Zoo and apparently he died just around the time i left to take my grandmother home. I have been working at the Zoo for 9 years and have always enjoyed watching Charlie exploring the outside exhibit. He was very intelligent and amused many school children. He will be missed by all.
-- Andrew, Aloha, OR

So sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
He was loved by all who came to the beautiful Oregon Zoo.
-- Collette, Portland, OR

What a beautiful creature of God. Rest in peace Charlie!
-- Janice, Georgetown, TX

One day while visiting the chimps, there was a commotion on the highway complete with sirens. Chloe was sitting on the top of a perch outside and starting howling. Charlie was on another perch, came down from where he was, climbed up the perch Chloe was on and patted her on the back in an attempt to comfort her.
-- Anne, West Linn, OR

I first met Charlie in the late '70s. What a handsome and dignified male he was even then. Losing a friend is very difficult - my thoughts are with Dave, Mitch and the current staff, as well as old friends like Marianne Yeutter, Jill Mellen, and the countless others who lives were touched by this amazing personality.
-- Melanie, Wauchula, FL

Today was the first time I'd heard of Charlie. I read the Oregonian profile article and thought, wow, I wish I'd known about him so many years ago. What an amazing animal the chimp is. My condolences to the Oregon zoo, Dave Thomas and Charlie's ladies, he will be sorely missed.
-- Marleny, Brooklyn, NY

Hi, I volunteered with Marianne Yeutter as part of the Chimpanzee inrichment program during the '70s and wanted to let Marianne know how sadden I am to hear of Charlie's passing. Over the years I have brought my daughter to the zoo and continued to sign to Charlie and he responded. The experience I had during my days at PSU and the Oregon Zoo volunteering on such a wonderful team has stayed with me, and will continue.

Over breakfast today I relaied stories of taking the Chimps out to pick blackberries. How they absolutely loved them and the excitement shared by everyone during those early morning hours.

If there is an opportunity to volunteer again, I would jump at it.
-- Becky, North Plains, OR

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Charlie was one of the first chimps that my daughters saw and from then they loved them! He has made them animal lovers! Poor Charlie, he will be missed by everyone and I am so happy that he has lived a great happy life at the zoo instead of what his life could have been. Bye Charlie we miss you.
-- Stephanie, Battle Ground, WA

Charlie was tricky and would play chase with you on the other side of the enclosure. Sometimes you would run and he would hide from you so that when you were at the other end of his enclosure you couldn't see him anymore. I will miss you Charlie.
-- Jeannie, Beaverton, OR

So sad too hear this news. May he rest in peace! Portland lost a very precious animal!!
-- Amanda, Portland, OR

RIP Charlie.
-- Amy, Salem, OR

My grandaughter and I were at the zoo yesterday when Charlie past, we will both miss him, We have spent hours and hours at this exbit, they have all been a part of our lives. He will be missed.
-- Tamyra, Tigard, OR

I have never been to the Oregon Zoo, but I am very sad this happened.
-- Natalie, Knoxville, TN

I wish I had known him more. My condolences to all at the zoo.. When you see a being as wise as he looks, you wish people would just stop being cruel to animals.. for once and for all. Thanks to those who loved him and saved his life and enriched the lives of us all.
-- Mary, Portland, OR

God Bless you Dave, and the rest of the staff, through this difficult time.
-- Kim, Chesterfield, VA

Charlie's Spirit & Love will be here forever.
-- Elizabeth, Portland, OR

Charlie was the Oregon Zoo's chief diplomate for conservation. He showed the world how a real chimpanzee can live at a zoological garden and keep his dignity. I loved watching children learn from Charlie and recognize he is truly part of the HUMAN EXPERIENCE. Rest in Peace our Prince Charlie.
-- John, Sheree and Katie, Beaverton, OR

To all of the Primate Keepers: Our friend Charlie will be missed so much. My heart goes out to each of you. I will miss seeing him interact with the public...especially those of us who knew he could "sign" and his "ladies". Miss you Big Gentle Guy!
-- Marilyn, Portland, OR

WE ALL CAN LEARN FROM CHARIE WHAT
WE HUMANS CAN SEE EAT AND PLAY
AND LEARN FROM WHAT MOTHER NAUTURE
TUAGHT US TO LIVE LOVE AND ENJOY
-- Steven, Eugene, OR

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He was my favorite. I always looked for him first when I went to the exhibit.
-- Heather

Dear Keepers, Temps, Volunteers, and "The Girls",

I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend and loved one, Charlie. You all have been such a blessing to him, as he was to you. I am using all your chimps as a springboard for lessons in reading and social studies with my fifth graders. Charlie will continue to be remembered by many! Our thoughts are with you.
-- Lisa, Kettle Falls, WA

Charlie was ten years my senior. I've never visited the zoo without stopping by the chimpanzee home to see him. I've watched him tenderly interact with others, and fiercely defend, and just lay contendedly, and always been intrigued by his grace and the wisdom in his eyes. I know I'm not alone; there has never been a shortage of visitors to his habitat, and I have overheard many loving and delighted conversations there. Charlie will be missed by many.
-- Amanda, Richland, WA

I have been going to the oregon zoo for 27 years now. I even spent a summer working as a zoo camp teacher. My day started with the extra special call and response good moring charlie and the campers would return call with good morning pete. This memory among all the years of watching charlie wear his wonderful shirt will be so missed by me and my entire family. He will live in our heart along with czar always.
-- Tanesha, Portland, OR

I'm a volenteer at the Oregon zoo, so i understand how truely loved Charlie was, he will be sorely missed and forever remembered.
-- Rachel, Portland, OR

My toddler daughter's and I were visiting the zoo just a couple weeks ago and Charlie was grabbing at a torn up brown paper bag or part of a brown box. He started to move it back and forth along the floor with his legs as if he were mopping up the floor. He did this over and over again all around his enclosure. My little girls thought it was the funniest thing they had ever seen. They kept saying "mopping" and pointing at wonderful Charlie. Charlie will be greatly missed. We love you Charlie!
-- Sarah, Beaverton, OR

I taught Charlie sign language in the 1970s when he first came to the zoo. He was in diapers, but he was a pistol! As soon as he learned the sign for "key," he'd sign it over and over, and when I'd give him my keys, he'd run with them to the door and try to unlock it. For years, when I'd visit the zoo, I could use the sign for his name, and he'd see me and sign "hi."
-- Heather, Eugene, OR

Charlie .....
will be so missed by all
we will miss his intense presence...
his regal stance
his laugh
his kind heart
his play face
his fabulous displays
his pant hoots
his wonderful being.....
his time with us was too short, we were so
fortunate to know and love him...so very,
very much.
Pieces of our hearts go with you, dear friend.
Pat

we love you so charlie....
-- Pat, South Burlington, VT

Charlie is the most amazing Chimp to ever live full of personality and able to make you laugh with amazing poop chucking skills and big male charges at the window he will be missed.
-- Arani, Milwaukie, OR

I have countless memories of Charlie. I was a zoo camper from a tiger until I became a zooteen and I'll allways have the clear picture of the indore chimp area with his picture and insormation illuminated on the divider between the public and the glass. He was truly part of the zoo's escence, and I he will allways be in our hearts. I just don't know how they'll get the attention of zoo campers now. I hope they will still use the "hello Charlie, Hello Pete" call because that is the only way I know how to get peoples attention! My heart goes out eapecially to his keepers and his 'ladies', but the oregon zoo is a team, and as a team we will get through this.
-- Isabelle, Portland, OR

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I have had Charlie as a weekend companion for the past eleven years and grew to love him very much. I have seen Charlie in many different moods. But what stood out to me was his thirst for public awareness and his protectiveness towards his fellow chimpanzees. Indeed there will be an emptiness at the zoo for a very long time. I loved him and will miss him very much.
-- Eric, ChimpanZoo Observer, Beaverton, OR

You could tell he was a smart, intelligent being just by observing him at the zoo. I read the profile on him several months ago in The Oregonian and was really caught up in his story. I always enjoyed watching the chimps during visits. He'll be missed.
-- Katie, Portland, OR

i worked at the Oregon zoo a few years ago.. I always walked by Charlie & I would say hi to him. Something I could see in his eyes was how smart he was. He will be missed. I wish my kids could have known Charlie..
-- Patricia, Portland, OR

i remember seeing Charlie sometime in the late 80's and he was perched up on a pole in the outdoor area, just making a lot of noise.. it was like my own person welcome to the zoo.. He will truly be missed, not just by all of us who visit, but by your wonderful staff.. He will always be in our hearts.. so sorry for your loss
-- Tracy, Milwaukie, OR

My condolences for dear Charlie, and for the caretakers that helped him find a home in the Oregon Zoo.
-- Tirene, Portland, OR

Oh Charlie, Our family will miss you dearly. Our hearts go out to Delilah, Leah, Coco, and Chloe.
Rest in Peace.
-- Saleana, Hillsboro, OR

My husband and I saw Charlie at the Zoo on Monday. He was adorable, came over to the glass sat down and looked intently at us thru it. I put my hand on the glass and he put his hand up on mine. I'll never forget him.
-- Laura, Beaverton, OR

My thoughts are with all the staff that worked with charlie everyday. I can only imagine that it is like loosing a pet or family member. Good luck with the girls I am sure it will take time for them to move on as well.
-- Michelle, McMinnville, OR

Dearest Charlie,
You will be missed so much. You were always so fun to come see. We hope that your friends at the zoo will heal as they cope with their loss. What a sad day.
-- Nicole, Portland, OR

You will be missed Charlie! You had such a great personality!!
-- Becka, Washougal, WA

May Charlie rest in peace! He was an amazing animal and I know everyone will miss him dearly. But I want to send my condolences to the Oregon Zoo for a loss of their dear friend. But thank you for giving Charlie such a long, healthy, happy life seeing as his life could have been short lived if he wasn't rescued.
-- Danielle, Portland, OR

I remember Charlie "playing chase" with Dave and others in and out of the building. And him watching show great interest as Jane showed him items in her handbag. And him using American sign language to describe a handful of berries I carried once. And of course, his "me, me, me" sign as he strode around the exhibit. And his daughter Sarah climbing on his head, and so much more.
-- Karen, Portland, OR

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Myself and Dr. Phil Ogilvie were his first contacts with zoo personnel and I'll never forget that evening when he and I met Charley -- a most obstreperous 2 year old!

We had just begun to establish a volunteer-staffed animal nursery and Charley was our 2nd denizen. We met Charley and his adoptive parents in the main office of the administration building. After his "parents" left us, Charley proceeded to attempt to run rampant across desks, scattering papers everywhere.

Phil, (Dr. Ogilvie) had had experience with young chimps at his former zoo, so took the brunt of the tantrum, all the while telling me that I'd soon become a loving caregiver for the youngster.

There are many tales to tell and most especially from the people who took over and began to work with him in the sign language program. I haven't seen him for years, but he has always been in my heart and I mourn his passing.
-- Joey

You are missed Charlie. RIP.
-- Anonymous

Every time I go to the Zoo I make sure to visit Charlie. It just won't be the same without him. My heartfelt condolences everyone, but mostly to Dave Thomas, Coco, Delilah, Chloe, Leah and the staff and volunteers who took care of him every day.
-- Judie, Portland, OR

May you rest in peace Charlie
-- Trish, Troutdale, OR

One day we went to the Zoo and we were watching Charlie and he was playing hide and seek with us then my son peaked around his enclosure and he popped out real fast like as to say BOO and scared my son it was very funny we all laughed very hard. Sorry to hear about Charlie he is going to be missed for sure :(
-- R.

Charlie will greatly by the world he was a favorite at the zoo. I would go just about every year to see charlie. My family have a special place in our hearts for him for before he wen the the portland zoo he lived with my grandparents Carl and Betty in longview, wa. He was a playmate for awhile before being donated the the zoo by the miller family. Charlie was more than a pet he was a member of our family. It was said when he left but it was the right thing for him. He would go everywhere with my grandpa. We love charlie and will miss you terrible.
-- Tracie, Kelso, WA

Oh sweet Charlie-boy, with your silly chimp grin! You will so be missed by your girls and your beloved zoo caretakers and your many many fans. My sincere condolences to the Oregon Zoo family. What a very sad day.
-- Meredith, Portland, OR

Our thoughts are with the staff and the chimp family. Charlie was very regal.
-- Paige, Portland, OR

All our best wishes. It is never easy when one that we love is called home.
-- Linda, Tualatin, OR

I was a volunteer at the zoo for the last 4 years and met Charlie several times. I will miss him lots - thanks for making great memories!
-- Kaitlyn, former zooteen, Camas, WA

I worked as a volunteer in 1974-5 in the Primate house with Dave T., and Charlie, he was a prankster, he would get a mouthful of water and wait until you were walking in the alley way in front of the indoor cage and then spit it at you and go get more. He would do his sign language for play and run around laughing and being silly. Seeing the recent story in the Oregonian brought back a lot of memories of my fun time working with him and all the other primates. He grew into a handsome chimp and he will be sorely missed by all.
-- Siouxanne, Portland, OR

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I come up once a month and always make a point of checking out Charlie and the chimps.

I've got some neat pictures I took of him sunbathing earlier this summer. Charlie could be quite the charming ham when he wanted to.

We will miss you Charlie.

Condolences to Mr. Thomas and all the great staff who love and care for not just Charlie but all of the chimps at the zoo.
-- Debbie, Vancouver, WA

I am so sadden to hear of Charlie's passing. He was and always will be such a gentle and strong ambassador for chimps and compassion. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. I am so sorry for your loss. May all who worked with Charlie or even had the chance to visit him find comfort in happy memories. I will miss him.
-- Kathleen, Wilsonville, OR

I was so sad to hear about Charlie's sudden death. I volunteered with the great apes in the '70s and got to know Charlie and Dave Thomas, who I know is going to miss him the most. He will never be forgotten.
-- Jennifer, Beaverton, OR

Charlie, it was an honor to have known you over the past 18-years. You will be remembered for all you did to touch the lives of so many. You truly lived the Zoo mission... to inspire our community to create a better future for wildlife. Rest in peace.
-- Rick, Portland, OR

Dear Keepers, I'm so very sorry for your loss of Charlie. It's always hard to loss a amazing friend. He will be greatly missed- Rest in Peace to an amazing animal.
-- Melissa, Aloha, OR

What a beautiful creature!!! I moved here July 9th and have not yet made a trip to the zoo. I wish I would have visited earlier and gotten to see Charlie! Charlie was a cherished zoo resident as was Our Phil, the gorilla, a world famous gorilla and very long time resident of the St. Louis Zoo. Phil is preserved and on display in one of the gift shops there. I remember him splashing water, playfully at spectators as a child. I am sure Charlie is jubilantly swinging from tree to tree in Heaven and rejoicing at his eternal freedom;; never to be caged or fearful of cruel men again! May he play PIP; play in peace! He is a beautiful soul! I am saddened as my grandson who arrives in October will not get to meet Charlie!
-- Laura, Portland, OR

Charlie was apart of the Oregon Zoo for my entire life. I shared love of chimps with the kids in my life and introduced them to Charlie when we visited the zoo. Love and prayers for his human and animal friends.
-- Kat, Portland, OR

So sorry for the sudden loss of Charlie. I understand from all the stories about him that he touched a lot of lives. I hope Dave Thomas and the rest of the staff will take solace in the knowledge that you enriched his life as much as he enriched yours.
-- Susan, Portland, OR

Good Night, Sweet Prince...
-- Leslie, Happy Valley,OR

Bless you charlie and have a wonderful journey! We love you and will miss you. Till we meet again......
-- Sandra, Tigard, OR

Rest in peace, dear charlie. We just saw you last friday at the grand opening . Thank you for being one of our favorite "guys" to see for many years. You will be missed as the "peoples" chimp.
-- Mari, West Linn, OR

Charlie how sorry I am that you have left us, many of days my children and I have spent watching Charlie play and make his funny faces. He was our favorite and there will be a big hole where he will no longer be!
-- Lynell, Sherwood, OR

so sad. we will miss him so much. R.I.P. charlie!
-- Liel

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I'm sorry to hear about Charlie. I know many of the volunteers I worked with were passionate about the primates. My thoughts are with everyone at the zoo... staff, volunteers, and guests.
-- Robyn, Laurel, MD

I remember when I was a little girl and watching him interact with all of the others. He will truely be missed by all.
-- Kellie, Portland, OR

charlie was my favorite chimp. It is soooo sad that he died.

I will always remember that he was the first chimp to escape from the new chimp exhibit.
-- Claire, Lake Oswego, OR

Dear Charlie,
My family will miss seeing you on our visits to the zoo.
-- Amy, Vancouver, WA

I loved seeing Charlie standing on his tall pole and doing his morrning exercises.He will be missed. I am so sorry for the keepers and other staff at this sad time.
-- Nancy, Clackamas, OR

I saw Charlie first in his little red corduroy's as he tore through Dr. Phil Ogilvie's (the zoo's director) house and slept in his bed the night before Phil took him to live at the zoo and in the hearts of all of us who worked with him. I have always been grateful for my time with Charlie and for all those who devoted themselves to his well-being: most notably Dave Thomas and Marianne Yeutter and, of course,thankful to Phil who had the vision and the courage to create a program that allowed volunteers to interact with Charlie (and all the other chimps). All his life, of which we all thought there'd be much, much more, Charlie was an exceptionally beautiful, bright chimpanzee...just look at that face! Goodbye,wonderful boy.
-- Lucie, Kinsale, VA

I am so sad to think my old playmate has died. Charlie and I got to play together in the old days, when he was just a naughty little chimp- we played tag and tickle when I was so young I did not think it was odd to be doing so! I grew up knowing Charlie was doing the same in the zoo- I loved to show my young kids my furry friend, but by then he had grown into an amazing huge male chimp-so strong and clearly the boss. I hope Charlie ( make a "C" with your fingers and move it in a circle around your face) is in a peacefel, restful place. I will miss his strong, beautiful presence. My thoughts and love go out to Dave Thomas and all the keepers. Love,
-- Katie, Portland, OR

I remember the fun games of chase with all the chimps as Charlie looks down at us from above. Just eating on a leaf of lettuce.
-- Chris, Portland, OR

Charlie, you were perhaps the most amazing creature I've ever had the fortune to meet. I volunteered at the zoo this summer, and I came to visit you and the other chimps on my breaks. I read your story in the Oregonian and it was absolutely amazing. If he had let you be made into bushmeat, that would have been a most terrible loss. Everyone who had the pleasure to know you will always remember the inspiring and amazing ambassador for chimpanzees.
-- Ryan, Portland, OR

I remember one time when I was walking near the Chimpanzee exhibit and I saw Charlie eating a banana and I thought it was the cutest thing. I will truly miss him.Rest in Peace.
-- Alex, Woodburn, OR

Charlie was always my favorite chimp and i will miss him so much.
-- Claire, Lake Oswego, OR

As a volunteer at the zoo, you get to know many of the animals and find they have distinct personalities. You also develop memories you've shared with them. Charlie was the "Chimp in Charge" at all times. I will never forget as security was locking up parts of the zoo for ZooLights one night and I was assisting with making sure the lights for the chimps were turned off, Charlie started banging on the window of the exhibit to let us know he wanted the lights off so he could go to bed. He definitely knew what he wanted!
-- Jeanie, Beaverton, OR

I loved watching him play with his blankets. He was my favorite but, now in camps we can't say hello Charlie and Hello Pete
-- Judy, Vancouver, WA

I have worked at the Oregon Zoo for the past 9 years as a camp counselor and a ZooTeen. I worked a couple of times with Dave in primates and I remember the interactions I had with Charlie. I remember watching him continue to sign to visitors who came to watch him.

Every child who has attended zoo camp knows Charlie the chimpanzee. It is very sad to know that he will no longer be a part of our tradition of "Hello Charlie! Hello Pete!"
-- Amber, Beaverton, OR

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As Dave Thomas so eloquently eulogized, Charlie possessed strength, compassion, sensitivity, and intelligence. Not all of us may possess these qualities, and that is exactly why we admire a chimpanzee that stands so strong and reaches out so compassionately to others.
-- Susan, Portland, OR

Charlie and I became friends when we were both teenagers. He has a young, pink face, I was volunteering studying the wolves with Paul Paquet but was quite enchanted with Charlie and his buddies Chloe, Delilah and even the somewhat difficult Rachel. Marianne Yeuter and Dave Thomas allowed me to join in the enrichment program, walking in the woods with Charlie and the gang, picking berries, signing, enjoying the summer sun. High school and college summers were made magical for me because of the time spent at the zoo and with Charlie. I lived overseas for a time and came back to visit, I was in a sea of visitors looking at the chimps and Charlie caught sight of me. He had not seen me for 20 years and believe me I do not look the same. He immediately got excited and started to sign "Chase me, chase me" I was there with my 9 year old daughter and Charlie shared the magic I had felt with him with her that day. She looked at the two of us with wonder. I will miss the grand old man.
-- Susan, Portland, OR

I have so many personal memories of Charlie. At the age of 19 I was on the sign language team in 1976/77 under Marianne Yeutter. That was the summer that Jane Goodall (otherwise known as God to the chimp set) came to visit. That was also the summer Charlie attacked me out of the blue while riding on someone's shoulder. I still wear the scar on my chin (I think from his fingernail). On a visit to the zoo in 1980 - something I signed chase me to him through the window and he freaked out (in a good way) and ran back and forth in his enclosure. I could go on but suffice it to say that I cried harder for his passing than any other celebrity I've heard about. To this day I still work with animals professionally.

Thank you for the opportunity to share.
-- Lorraine, Clackamas, OR

I was one of the Chimp Enrichment volunteers from '73-81 - learning sign language, exploring the woods, painting. I watched Charlie grow from a tough adorable 3-year-old to a breeding male, but it never crossed my mind that we'd ever lose him. I'll miss him so much.
-- Linda, Hillsboro, OR

During my couple summers of working at the Zoo, my favorite days were the misty mornings when I would see Charlie in his outdoor exhibit. Sending good thoughts to all the keepers, staff and volunteers who have lost a great friend.
-- Rachel, Portland, OR

As a young teenager, I used to volunteer at the zoo and had the priviledge of holding Charlie when he was a young chimp. I am sure he will be missed by the staff who worked with him.
-- Gary, Portland, OR

I briefly met Charlie when I got a BTS tour a couple years ago (I'm an ape keeper at St. Louis Zoo). He was vey protective of his family! All of us at Saint Louis Zoo sent our deepest sympathies for the loss of your family member.
-- Anonymous

Charlie was a joy to be around when he lived with us as an infant - i remember when i didn't get out of bed when he wanted to play he would crawl under the covers and nibble at my feet - I wish i could have visited him before his passing - I hope that somehow his ashes can be transported back to Liberia and he can finally be released back into the wild.
-- Kenneth, Mesa, AZ

I was at the zoo a couple years ago ... Charlie was on top of the pole ... in chimp area ... He put on a great show ... yelling and carrying on ... While the females were all watching him ... I got some great pictures ... He was a character!! He will be missed very much!!
-- Robert, Portland, OR

I will miss him. When relatives visit Portland and I go to the zoo, I make it a point to see Charlie. We laugh and have a good time calling out to him and watching his antics. My condolences to his keepers, who must be deeply saddened as I am with his passing, as he was family.
-- Bambi, Milwaukie, OR

As I write this, people will be gathering for Charlie's memorial. My heart joins with yours across the miles as you remember and celebrate the life of beloved Charlie, Prince of the Zoo. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to meet Charlie while I was in Portland last March. I went to the zoo specifically to see chimps, and had a lovely encounter with Charlie at the outdoor exhibit. He walked all the way across the enclosure to greet me, getting as close as he possibly could. I had the sense he was as interested in me as I was in him. It was a special moment for me. Although the encounter lasted only a few minutes, I could tell that Charlie was a special chimp and that he had a good and happy life at the zoo. My heart goes out to all of you: zookeepers, volunteers, and all the employees and guests who knew and loved Charlie. And my heart goes out too, to Charlie's chimpanzee family who no doubt miss him terribly. Peace be with all of you. And peace be with Charlie.
-- Judith, Bellingham, WA

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Rest and peace, friend of the forest.
-- Tina, Miami, FL

I loved watching him play with his blankets. He was my favorite, but now in camps we can't say "Hello, Charlie" and "Hello, Pete."
-- Judy, Vancouver, WA

Thank you, Charlie, for making us smile. We will miss you.
-- Gloria, Corbett, OR

I love monkeys, and Charlie was my favorite. I was at school the day he passed away. But when I got home I got on the zoo's website and read about Charlie. I cried for a long time. It felt like a family member died. Rest in Peace. I love you, Charlie.
-- Isabell, Portland, OR

Charlie put the "I-M-P" in Chimp. Let me explain. I was unlocking a door in the primate building when Charlie came up to the viewing windows. I caught a glimpse of him, out of the corner of my eye, as he was raring back to smack the glass. Immediately, I turned and looked in his direction. Charlie dropped to his butt, and started cleaning his nails while looking at me. I could hear his inner voice saying: "I wasn't going to do anything! Why are you looking at me like that?" I waggled my finger at him, and told him that I had his number. I will never forget that Charlie moment, or the response I received from Dave Thomas when I conveyed the story to him. Dave looked at me like a proud parent, and said: "That's my boy!" Dave, I am truly sorry for the loss of your "son." He will be truly missed. My thoughts are with the other keepers as well. Charlie, thanks for the memories!
-- Rick, Beaverton, OR

I remember coming to the zoo early in the morning on sun, and finding primate volunteers with chimps up a tree. They told me that this was their daily walk around the zoo. This was around 1977. When the volunteers were ready to leave they would tug on the harnesses to get the chimps out of the tree. One volunteer had Charlie. She would have to tug several times to get him down. He would then scream and come flying down to the volunteer. She would then say that she wished he wouldn't do that, and then she would giggle, because she knew he loved doing that.
-- Mary, Molalla, OR

I loved him.
-- Anonymous

Bye, Sweetie. Fruit's all gone. You got the last piece.
-- Gerry, Beaverton, OR

I was a volunteer in the captive chimp study at the zoo over 20 years ago. I sat right in front of the exhibit and observed for 2 hours at a time, 2 days a week, recording what every chimp was doing every 60 seconds. I'll never forget the first time I lowered my eyes when Charlie displayed only inches away on the other side of the glass. What power! I have told that story many times and the impression it made on me. I loved watching Charlie. He was magnificent and intelligent. He was a very real presence. So many moods -- so many expressions. Charlie could sign, and every time I visited (many years after the study), he recognized me, came right up to the glass where I was and signed, "me, me," and I always answered, "Yes, Charlie, it's you." I miss this guy who showed me so much about our relationship to all beings. With love and gratitude, rest in peace, Charlie.
-- Linda, Portland, OR

i'm a filipino american..... when i was 15 i regularly visit the zoo to see charlie...... every problem that i have .... i want to see charlie .... he's the best thing for me to cure my problems .... he help me to feel happy every day......... i will miss u my friend charlie......... u always in my heart and good memories..... farewell charlie....
-- tara

I first met Charlie 14 years ago and could tell right away he was special. He was my favorite at the zoo. I'll miss him very much.
-- Sharon, Oregon City, OR

I used to play with Charlie "many years ago" when we were neighbors with Ed (before he had to take Charlie to the zoo). We used to play hide-and-go-seek. Charlie was my age, and he was my best friend.
-- Greg, Longview, WA

Great souls can come into our lives at any time and in any form. Charlie was one of the greatest of souls and I will miss him dearly as will everybody who knew him. This has to be a very deep loss for all the primate keepers as it is always very painful to lose such a dear friend. Hang in there...
-- Michelle, Saint Helens, OR

I am sorry to hear about Charlie.. I didn't know him at all but I do love all kinds of animals......
-- Delia, Gladstone, OR

I have never met Charlie, but of course I wish I had. He will surely be missed. I am saddened by this news as I love animals. May you rest in peace, Charlie.
-- Cathy, Aloha, OR

So sad to hear this. As I child I enjoyed visiting with Charlie. And now I enjoy bringing my own kids & watching their eyes light up as they watch all the animals. We loved coming to see Charlie. He had such a beautiful soul & such kind eyes. We just went on August 25th for my son's 4th birthday. Who would have known that was the last time I would get to see Charlie. Such a sad day for all of us.
-- Amy, Beaverton, OR

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I got to know Charlie when taking animal behavior course at Portland State with Nancy King. I would occasionally come and talk with her and watch her work with Charlie. I am amazed that from those few encounters with him he remembered me and would play chase outside whenever he saw me.

My wife thought he saw me as a rival after I believe it was Coco brought her baby to the window to show me. Charlie would frequently display when he saw me inside. He continued to play chase though. I loved quiet days at the zoo when he would sit by the glass staring out. I always wondered exactly what was going on in his head.

What a wonderful experience. I can only imagine the sadness of the keepers who worked so closely with him for 0ver 30 years. I will truely miss him. A day at the zoo will not be the same without a visit to Charlie. Farewell my friend
-- Doug, Portland, OR

Goodbye,Charlie!
-- Mike, Columbia, TN

I had the privilege of being among Charlie's first sign language teachers in the early '70's when I was a teenager, and it's an experience that has shaped my life. The news of his death has left me aching. My first introduction to this guy began with a bite (I still have that scar) and ended with his submissive wrist at my mouth. After that, we were great friends, though he tested my dominance with regularity. I remember with tremendous fondness our early morning Chimp Walks around the zoo before it opened, how Charlie bounded about, seeing everything, reacting to new sounds, and challenging all boundaries at every opportunity. I remember his first visit to the zoo duck pond, when the swans were floating around, I signed to Charlie, "What's that?", pointing to the swans. He paused, looked at these never-before-seen creatures, then signed to me, "Water bird." Another time he signed, "Chase. I asked, "Who chase?" He answered, "You chase me hurry," and ran away from me laughing. Many such memories are evoked with just the name "Charlie", no matter where I hear it. A few years back, I was among many visitors at the zoo, standing at the glass outside the chimp enclosure, and I caught Charlie's eye. He stared at me, so I signed, "Remember me? Remember chase?" Charlie speedily got down off his platform and came right over to me, his hair on end. He sat there a long time, looking at me often, signing "sweet" for some reason (all those raisins I rewarded him with??). Knowing that he recognized me brought tears to my eyes. His strength, energy, awareness, intelligence, memory and consistent pushing of limits are characteristics that I was honored to enjoy, and am still trying to emulate.
-- Kit, Seattle, WA

Charlie, your memories will be in my heart,
-- volunteer zooguide Jennifer, Beaverton, OR

My thoughts and prayers are with the zookeepers, volunteers, and all of Charlie's fans. He will be missed. I send my love to Dee, Chloe, Coco, and Leah.
-- Lisa, Tacoma, WA

I have been visiting Charlie every trip to the zoo for the past eleven years. When my son was born, he immediately attached himself to Charlie and wanted to pet him and cuddle him every time we went into the Chimp area. For three years my son got to enjoy him, and it doesn't seem long enough. My son is having a difficult time understanding what death is, he still wants to go see Charlie. We mourn his loss and give our best wishes to those closer to him than us.
-- Christine and Enzlo, Portland, OR

My favorite memories of Charlie are about seeing him out in the field sitting down having lunch looking over the rest of his group and there was no doubt as to who was in charge. He looked at peace with his world. He was prince of the zoo.
-- Terry, Oregon City, OR

Our family will truly miss Charlie. Before having to leave Oregon due to my son's illness, my wife and son would go back and forth from OHSU to visit Charlie and his friends. It always made my son feel better to look at Charlie and smile. I think Charlie in his own way looked back at Ryan and said hang in there, kid, life is good!
-- KC, Pleasant Hill, CA

i am SO sad that charlie passed away!!!! i was a zooteen this past summer and so you get really attached to all the zoo animals.. my love goes out to the keepers who lost one of their "children". charlie will be VERY missed :[
-- Sophie, Portland, OR

Charlie, you were a mischief-maker, a compassionate elder and you have touched the lives & hearts of many. Thank you & goodbye.
-- Annie, Tigard, OR

When I bring my daughter to the chimp exhibit, we always try to pick out Charlie because of his distinctive features. Thank you for so much enjoyment Charlie. You will be very missed by us.
-- Matthew, Portland, OR

I have many fond memories of Charlie from the times he used to visit us at the admin building (with the keepers of course), to playing chase me, chase me when he would see me when he was in the outside yeard. He would see me and sign chase me, chase me and we would both dash inside. Then he would very casually enter the indoor enclosure, only to climb up on the bars and hit the glass as hard as he could with his feet. He would get yells and screams from the public. He loved it.

This is a huge loss and I know the staff is hurting and will miss him terribly. Even though I am no longer there at the zoo my heart is with all of you.
-- Jennifer, Denver, CO

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