CHUBBUCK — Chee-Chee, a Capuchin monkey who has been a well-known attraction at McKee’s Pet, Garden and Feed Center’s Chubbuck location for over 20 years, died of old age on Jan. 5.

    She was originally obtained in 1985 when a Blackfoot animal shelter asked the shop’s management if they would be interested in taking possession of Chee-Chee, whom they were considering euthanizing. According to Jim McKee, the store’s owner, the monkey was owned by a couple of different private exotic animal collectors before being turned over to the animal shelter.

    After obtaining the proper federal permits and licenses and paying the proper fees to house an exotic animal, Chee-Chee was given her own display room filled with stuffed animals and toys. Her diet was changed to a healthy primate diet. When they originally got her, she would only eat junk food from local diners.

    It is believed that one of Chee-Chee’s previous owners had abused her. She was hostile towards human females, and McKee says that only male employees were allowed in her room.

    Chee Chee had become a popular attraction for store visitors over the years, especially among children who flocked to the cute little monkey. The store’s Facebook entry announcing the monkey’s death has had over 200 comments and over 400 shares in the week and a half after her death. McKee says the outpour of support from the community regarding Chee-Chee’s demise has been extensive.

    “It’s amazing how many people have come into the shop expressing their condolences,” said McKee. “Some people have even left cards on the glass of Chee-Chee’s room.”

    McKee says that initially that the store considered putting Chee-Chee into an animal sanctuary for monkeys. However, her veterinarian advised against it because she had lived away from other monkeys for so long, she would not have been able to properly socialize with her primate brethren.

    Capuchin monkeys are a breed of primates home to Central and South America. Though Chee-Chee’s actual age was unknown, she was estimated to be around 35 to 40 years-old. On average, Capuchins are small, usually wearing five to 10 pounds, and in the wild their life expectancies are between 15 to 25 years.

    For now, Chee-Chee’s room remains empty and darkened, with an obituary on the glass of the display room. McKee says that his store is looking into getting another animal to fill the spot, possibly large sea tortoises. However, after 27 years, Chee-Chee’s death has left a void for not only the customers, but also the staff at McKee’s.

    “I’m a farm boy who grew up on a ranch with a variety of animals and I usually don’t get emotional when an animal dies,” he said, “but I cried when Chee-Chee died.”