RIP Cheeta

'Cheeta', the chimpanzee that performed in the "Tarzan" films of the 1930's, has died at the age of 80.

"It is with great sadness that the community has lost a dear friend and family member on December 24, 2011," the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary in Palm Harbor, Florida announced.

Cheeta appeared in "Tarzan the Ape Man" (1932) and "Tarzan and His Mate" (1934), starring Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O'Sullivan.

The average life span of a wild chimpanzee is 45 years.

According to the sanctuary where he lived, Cheeta loved finger-painting and watching football, walking upright with a straight back like a human.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Cheeta"...