Mobile Zoo forfeits movie star chimpanzee after PETA lawsuit

WILMER, Ala. -- A 29-year-old chimpanzee that starred in the 1997 film "Buddy" is being moved from an Alabama zoo to a sanctuary in Florida after animal rights activists complained about the animal's living conditions.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animal said in a news release Wednesday that the ape, named Joe, is being transported to the Save the Chimps sanctuary in Fort Pierce, Florida.

The move comes after PETA filed a federal lawsuit challenging Joe's solitary living conditions inside a cage at the Wilmer-based Mobile Zoo.

WKRG-TV reports that the zoo denied that PETA was responsible for the relocation, saying it was a decision zoo officials ultimately made.

Al.com reports that only five other chimpanzees are believed to remain in solitary confinement in roadside zoos in the U.S.

This story was originally published April 21, 2016 at 3:52 PM with the headline "Mobile Zoo forfeits movie star chimpanzee after PETA lawsuit ."