U.S. researchers say goodbye to beloved chimp

By JoAnne Allen

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Washoe, the chimpanzee researchers said was the first non-human to acquire a human language, was being remembered by some as a dear friend and an inspiration.

Washoe, who died on Tuesday night at age 42 after a brief illness, first learned American Sign Language in a research project in Nevada, according to the Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute (CHCI) where she had lived since 1980.

Founders of the chimpanzee research institute on the campus of Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington, said Washoe was a treasured member of their family.

A memorial service will be held on Nov. 12.