Washoe, the first chimp that was able to communicate via sign language died Tuesday at the age of 42. 
Article here.
I started tearing up on my drive to work when I heard this. I’m not sure why it struck me so, but it did.
I remember learning about Washoe in my intro to linguistics class. We watched a video. I always thought it was interesting when she taught other chimps to sign, thus transferring the sign language… but really sad because the other chimps clearly didn’t ‘‘get it’’ on the level that she did. She was really uniquely disposed to learning the sign language, I think. I wonder if she felt really alone in the world.
It seems that her human friends, the Fouts, were good to her and probably spent a lot of time communicating with her so hopefull she didn’t feel too lonely.
I read about this today and I STILL read the title as “Washoe the singing Chimp”.
Oook. 
I wonder if anyone had noticed any signs.
sorry, couldn’t help myself
I just found out about this yesterday. I cried too—it saddened me just as much as the loss of a personal pet, perhaps even more. She was only forty-two; I wished she could have remained with us for decades more—some captive chimps have. My only regret is that I never had the opportunity to meet her. Booee lives at a wildlife refuge not too far from my home. The sanctuary has been closed to the public for several years now, and I despair at the thought of not being able to someday make his acquaintance before he also passes on. However, I now have renewed motivation to do so, and I will make it a priority above all others to somehow make it happen.
I had no idea Washoe was still alive; if I had, I’d have tried to visit her when I was out that way a few years ago. What a wonderful primate she was.
R.I.P., Washoe; you were an exemplary family member to all of us.