京都大学ヒト行動進化研究センター
Center for the Evolutionary Origins of Human Behavior, Kyoto University (EHUB)
In remembrance of Ai, a chimpanzee who contributed for many years at Kyoto University to research on “the evolution of the mind,” we are preserving this record with gratitude and deepest condolences.
“What you taught us will continue to live on within us.”
Date of Passing: January 9, 2026
Age: 49
Cause of Death: Multiple organ failure due to old age
Thank you, Ai
Your memory lives on here
Latest upodates
・Feb 9th, 2026: Memorial website launched
We would greatly appreciate your continued support
Kyoto University’s Center for the Evolutionary Origins of Human Behavior is currently home to ten chimpanzees as of February 9, 2026. While conducting academic research to deepen our understanding of human nature, we also strive to be a facility where the chimpanzees can live healthy and happy lives, both physically and mentally.
Ai, too, lived energetically despite a chronic kidney condition, reaching the age of 49—longer than the average lifespan of captive chimpanzees. As our chimpanzees continue to grow older, we will keep working every day in the hope that each of them can live as happy a life as possible.
Through years of experience, we have steadily accumulated knowledge about husbandry and medical treatment. However, because our facility’s primary mission is research, there are times when we must set priorities in budgeting, and the steady work required for daily health care and welfare improvement may not always receive sufficient funding.
As a result, we continue to use aging medical equipment (such as a CT scanner), and in some areas we have been unable to repair deterioration or malfunctions throughout the facility. In short, we currently lack the financial resources needed to maintain and further develop an environment in which the chimpanzees can live comfortably and happily.
In addition, we face concerns about whether our staffing levels are sufficient to provide the care needed for our aging chimpanzees.
To address these challenges, we have established the Primate Research Fund within the Kyoto University Fund. We respectfully ask for your understanding and support. Your contributions will be used to improve the chimpanzees’ living environment, secure necessary medicines and other medical supplies, update medical equipment, and strengthen our staffing system.
We will also provide updates as appropriate through our blog and other channels. If you would like to support this effort, please proceed to the Primate Research Fund page via the link below. We would be grateful if you could note in the message/comment section that your donation is “for improving the chimpanzees’ living environment.”
