They lived next door to the zoo and raised the baby chimp as one of their own, with photographs of the nappy-clad primate with their children and other pets among the images in the family photo album from the era. The chimp went back to the zoo after two years because she had become too big and strong for them to manage, the New Zealand Herald reported. A few years later Sally was moved to Hamilton Zoo.

Now aged 94, Georgie Seccombe was reunited with Sally in Hamilton for the first time in decades yesterday - and the recognition was obvious, with the chimp bounding up to her at the sound of her call, and performing a few handstands.

I need a tissue. *SNIFF SNIFF* Is this room dusty?