Tarzan’s Cheetah the Chimpanzee dies, aged 80

Cheetah the chimpanzee has died at the age of 80.

The ape starred in several Tarzan films from the 1930s to the 1960s, as well as the television series between 1966 and ’68.

He was the comic relief sidekick to American Olympic gold medal winner Johnny Weissmuller in the role as Tarzan.

The Suncoast Primate Sanctuary in Palm Harbor announced that Cheetah passed away on December 24 as a result of kidney failure.

Sanctuary director Debbie Cobb said that Cheetah was kind, outgoing and enjoyed finger painting.

He joined the sanctuary from Weissmuller’s estate in 1960.