He arrived at the Sanctuary in 2004 from a circus, where he lived with the chimpanzees Monica and Billy, who were also transferred to the Sanctuary.

He was a little suspicious, but at the same time playful with those he trusted. He liked grooming and loved to stand on the catwalk, asking for things from passers-by. He got along well in groups and knew how to create alliances to get what he wanted.

Tião passed away in 2022.