Two 'Grand Dame' Chimpanzees Celebrate Milestone Birthdays

Bubbles and Samantha, longtime residents of Zoo Miami, reach impressive ages.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Zoo Miami recently celebrated the milestone birthdays of two iconic chimpanzees, Bubbles and Samantha, who have called the zoo home since the early 1980s. Bubbles, estimated to be 63 years old, is the oldest chimpanzee under human care in North America, while 56-year-old Samantha is tied for the third oldest. The zoo prepared a variety of festive treats for the 'Grand Dames' to enjoy with their companions.

Why it matters

Chimpanzees are our closest living relatives, sharing over 98% of our DNA. As endangered species, the longevity of Bubbles and Samantha highlights the importance of conservation efforts and the role zoos play in protecting these intelligent, social animals.

The details

Bubbles arrived at Zoo Miami (then Miami Metrozoo) in March 1982 from the Louisville Zoo, while Samantha came in November 1981 from a private individual. The zoo staff and volunteers prepared a five-tier cake made from fruit, yogurt, and sweet-potato frosting, as well as baked cupcakes and enrichment boxes filled with raisins and nuts for the chimpanzees to enjoy.

  • Bubbles arrived at Zoo Miami in March 1982.
  • Samantha arrived at Zoo Miami in November 1981.
  • Bubbles' birth is estimated to be between January and February 1963.
  • Samantha's birth is estimated to be between January and February 1969.

The players

Bubbles

A 63-year-old chimpanzee, the oldest under human care in North America.

Samantha

A 56-year-old chimpanzee, tied for the third oldest in North America.

Niger

A male chimpanzee who lives with Bubbles and Samantha at Zoo Miami.

Hondo

A male chimpanzee who lives with Bubbles and Samantha at Zoo Miami.

Zoo Miami

The zoo where Bubbles and Samantha have resided since the early 1980s.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty-three years is such an accomplishment in captivity, especially with the way the zoo industry has changed over the years.”

— Ron Magill, Zoo Miami Communications Director (communitynewspapers.com)

What’s next

Zoo Miami plans to continue celebrating Bubbles and Samantha's birthdays in the coming years, highlighting the importance of chimpanzee conservation efforts.

The takeaway

The milestone birthdays of Bubbles and Samantha, two of the oldest chimpanzees in North America, showcase the vital role zoos play in protecting endangered species and educating the public about the importance of conservation.