(Radio Iowa) – A bonobo ape who gained fame for understanding how to communicate with humans through symbols has died. Kanzi lived at what had been the Great Ape Trust in Des Moines that was later taken over by the Ape Institute. Kanzi judged food at the Iowa State Fair and also learned how to play Minecraft.

The Ape Institute says his cause of death is unknown, but it had been treating him for heart disease. He was 44 years old.