Cheetah, The 1930's 'Tarzan' Chimp, Dies Aged 80

Cheetah, the chimpanzee who starred in the Tarzan films of the 1930s, has died aged 80.

The Suncoast Primate Sanctuary in Palm Harbour, Florida, said that Cheetah died of kidney failure.

It has been reported that Cheetah starred in Tarzan films from 1932 to 1934 opposite Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O'Sullivan.

Cheetah was given to the sanctuary by Weissmuller's estate in the early 1960s, and he managed to outlive most chimps, who usually live no longer than 45 years in zoos.

Volunteer Ron Priest told the Tampa Tribune: "When he didn't like somebody or something that was going on, he would pick up some poop and throw it at them.

"He could get you at 30 feet [9m] with bars in between."

Debbie Cobb, a spokeswoman for the sanctuary, said that Cheetah loved finger painting, watching american football and Christian music.