He arrived at the sanctuary in 2003, coming from the Circo di Napoli, where he had always worked. He was very intelligent and understood everything humans said. His teeth were pulled out at the circus when he was still young, but that did not stop him from being the biggest eater at the Sanctuary.

He passed away while sleeping on June 26, 2024. Below is a statement from Sonia Mandruca, owner of the Great Apes Sanctuary of Vargem Grande Paulista.

“He rested this morning, the oldest member of our furry family, the chimpanzee Nino. We called him Ninão because his love, affection, and joy were as enormous as he was. He just didn’t speak, but he knew how to express exactly what he wanted and understood everything we said. He always appeared at one of the windows, showing a little bottle, asking for juice or tea, or a pot asking for a treat, and when he got it, he would leave screaming with happiness. In the afternoon, even after getting his peanut, he would come with a little pout to give many kisses and get a fruit popsicle. He bribed us every day with his kisses and his sweet look. Nino left us while sleeping, in peace, calm, but we will suffer for a long time with his absence. Goodbye, our Gentle Giant!”

Rest in Peace, dear Nino.