SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – A long time resident of the Sacramento Zoo has died.

Josie the chimpanzee was the matriarch of the zoo’s chimps at age 48.

She was being treated for age-related illnesses but was not improving.

Zoo veterinarians made the decision to put her to sleep.

“Chimps are not that different from humans and so they will take time to grieve and understand this over the next few weeks or so,” said Harrison Edell, General Curator of the Sacramento Zoo.

Josie was the 10th oldest female chimpanzee in the United States.

Donations in Josie’s memory can be made by calling (916) 808-8815. All donations will go towards the care of the other chimpanzees at the Sacramento Zoo.