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[Josh Greenman <josh.greenman AT gmail.com>]

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Henry the Chimp Gets Physician Care

Last Edited: Wednesday, 04 Feb 2009, 3:16 PM CST

HOUSTON  --  He was found malnourished, in a cage full of garbage,
including piles of soda cans and cigarette butts. Now, Henry has been
rescued.

The chimpanzee is getting the care he needs.  Henry was treated at
Sugar land Veterinary Specialists clinic. Doctors there discovered
while one ulcer has healed.

The chimpanzee has another ulcer in his stomach.   Physicians are also
trying to figure out why the 23-year-old's spine is so severely
deformed.

Investigators with the SPCA say after an anonymous tip the chimpanzee
was found severely malnourished, weak and in pain at a home in Crosby
in November.  They say Henry has lived in a cage in a garage for the
last 15 years without proper food, sunlight or companionship.

According to SPCA caregivers, the chimpanzee has been given cigarettes
and likely has been a smoker for years. He appeared to crave nicotine
after he was rescued and was likely suffering nicotine withdrawal.