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PG Tips 007 dies at Twycross Zoo
Topic Started: Jul 11 2013, 10:08 AM (67 Views)
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http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/pg-tips-chimp-dies-twycross-4950627

Death of PG Tips 007 star chimp leaves zoo staff shaken and stirred
11 Jul 2013 07:30
Source: BirminghamMail

It was an Earl Grey day for staff at Twycross Zoo after the death of Britain’s best-known chimp, a star of the legendary PG Tips ads.

Louis passed away, aged 37, after a short illness on Monday, the Midland tourist attraction revealed.

He famously parodied James Bond in a 007 spoof and was the partner of another star of the ads, Choppers.

In a short statement, the zoo said: “His loss will be felt among keepers and staff, both past and present.

“Although gone, Louis will never be forgotten. He will always be a member of our Twycross Zoo family.”

Staff were yesterday supporting Choppers, now 43.

Spokesman Natalie Gudger said: “We are keeping a close eye on her. She lived with Louis, so her welfare is of the highest priority.”

She said Louis never allowed the fame of the PG Tips ads to go to his head.

“He was very chilled out and relaxed,” she remembered fondly.

The chimps who starred in the ads were dubbed The Tipps Family and were all from Twycross.

They first appeared on screen in 1956, using the voices of stars including Peter Sellers and Bob Monkhouse, and helped make PG Tips Britain’s most popular tea brand.

The chimps also parodied Tour de France cyclists, removal men trying to get a piano downstairs and housewives doing the ironing

They were stars for 45 years until the ads ended in 2002 following a long-running campaign by animal welfare activists.

Away from the limelight, Louis became a favourite with visitors to the zoo.

Curator Dr Charlotte Macdonald said: “Louis was a very gentle and laid-back chimp.

“Born at Twycross, he was one of the original PG Tips chimps and lived to see all of the changes – from chimp’s tea parties to the modernisation of the zoo, including the recent chimp integrations into larger social groups.”

Zoological director Sharon Redrobe added: “Over the decades millions of people would have visited Louis.

“We hope people will join us in reliving old memories with him and take home some new ones of our other animals, too.”

Staff at Twycross, now in its 50th year, are considering a memorial to Louis and his PG colleagues.

Among the flood of online tributes, one wag posted: “Poor Louis – paid peanuts, but he wouldn’t want it any other way.”
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