Casino chimp forced to drink and smoke dies of a heart attack

John became hooked on cigarettes after being made to smoke at the Moscow casino (Life News)

A chimpanzee who was forced to smoke and drink while working in a Russian casino has died of a heart attack.

The chimp, known as John, passed away despite being rescued from the Moscow casino and living his final years quietly in a Black Sea safari park.

John died aged 24. Chimpanzees commonly live to around 50.

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He developed an alcohol and cigarette problem after being made to drink and smoke by clients at the casino, while he worked the roulette tables.

John span the wheels at the Kosmos casino.

He also developed a drink problem (Life News)

He was rescued by staff at the Glendzhik safari park in 2008, but they had to keep him from the public for the first year as his health was poor and he reacted badly to being weaned off alcohol.

He eventually became teetotal and ‘was able to shine in public and make an impression’, said park director Nikolay Mashinsky.

John even took up painting in his final years.

But he was unable to shrug all the side affects of his earlier unhealthy life.

‘He felt very bad, the consequences of his turbulent life were severe — diabetes, oedema and dermatitis,’ said Mashinsky

‘His immune system was weak, he was constantly coughing and he had a high temperature for almost a year.’