PREVIEW

The story of the life of one of the PG Tips chimps has been told using analysis of her skeleton.

The pioneering study led by researchers at National Museums Scotland has unveiled the first comprehensive osteobiography of a zoo animal—a cutting-edge scientific method involving the analysis of bones and tissues.

This innovative technique has revealed new insights into the life of Choppers, the Western Chimpanzee who starred in the popular 1970s PG Tips television adverts, and highlights the evolving role of zoos over the past 50 years.
Choppers, who played Grandmother Ada Lott in the popular British tea commercials, was rescued from poachers in Sierra Leone at just six weeks old. Brought to the UK, she became a household name before being retired at around six or seven years of age. She spent over 40 years in the care of Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire until her death in 2016.

Osteobiographies are more commonly used to reconstruct the lives of ancient human figures, such as Richard III, but this study marks the first time the method has been applied so thoroughly to a zoo animal. Combining archival materials with biogeochemical, pathological, and morphometric analyses, researchers have produced the most detailed life history of any animal in zoological care to date.

Dr David Cooper, Researcher at National Museums Scotland and lead author of the study, said:"Choppers was beloved by audiences across the UK for years. Now the innovative application of osteobiographical analysis has allowed us to tell her story like never before. Her life is a testament to the many thousands of chimpanzees taken from the wild and charts a crucial shift in the priorities of zoos away from entertainment and towards education, conservation, research, and welfare."

Choppers' skeleton was donated to National Museums Scotland by Twycross Zoo, enriching the museum's internationally significant natural science collection, which holds over 10 million specimens and is continually used for research and study.

Dr Andrew Kitchener, Principal Curator of Vertebrate Biology at National Museums Scotland, said: "Natural science collections are an invaluable resource in understanding the world in which we live, offering insight into some of the greatest challenges of our age, from biodiversity loss to the climate crisis. Our collections increasingly reflect the impacts of human activity both locally and globally, providing vital evidence for understanding and mitigating these changes. We are grateful to zoos like Twycross for their support in enhancing Scotland's National Collection, ensuring it remains at the forefront of international research."

The research, published Wednesday Scientific Reports, is part of the Animal Feeding project funded by Wellcome. It coincides with preparations at the National Museum of Scotland for the return of Monkeys: Our Primate Family, the largest exhibition on primate biology ever staged, opening on 28 June.

The study revealed key moments in Choppers' life, including evidence of traumatic injuries sustained when she was poached as an infant, which affected her mobility and exacerbated age-related degenerative issues later in life. Isotopic analysis of her tooth enamel indicated a distinct geographical and dietary shift between the ages of three and four, coinciding with her relocation to the UK. Researchers also found that her upper jaw was significantly elongated compared to wild chimpanzees—a result of an early diet rich in sugary soft fruits. In contrast, modern zoo diets now prioritise tougher, less sugary vegetables, leading to significant improvements in primate health and behaviour.

The study involved researchers from the University of Exeter, the University of Reading, Twycross Zoo, and the University of Edinburgh, alongside National Museums Scotland.
Phillipa Dobbs, Veterinary Services Manager at Twycross Zoo, said:"We are delighted to support this remarkable work. At Twycross Zoo, our commitment to animal welfare extends beyond an individual’s lifetime, and studies like this ensure they continue to contribute to scientific knowledge.

"Choppers was an important part of our history, and this pioneering research offers new insights into her life and the evolving role of modern zoos. By supporting studies like this, we can continue to learn from the past and drive progress in animal care, welfare, science, and conservation. It is an honour to be involved."