COLUMBIA, S.C. — A beloved resident of Riverbanks Zoo, Bubba the baboon, has passed away, according to the zoo.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Bubba," the zoo wrote on its Facebook page Wednesday afternoon. "Bubba's feisty and spicy personality will be missed by the Zoo family, our members, and guests."
Bubba was 31-year-old male Hamadryas baboon, who had been at the zoo for 12 years. According to the zoo's website, baboons can live into their forties in captivity.
"Bubba was incredibly protective of his sister Baffles and could always be seen by her side on habitat," said Zookeeper Alexa. "We will miss his unique charisma and the sass he often showed us during training sessions.
"We are so tremendously grateful for the opportunity to care for Bubba during his 12 years at Riverbanks," the zoo wrote.
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