Cheeta and Westfelt visit with Debbie Elliott to mark the chimp's big day.

NPR: Cheeta, Screen Star for the Ages

Dan Westfall, who runs the sanctuary, has seen to Cheeta's needs for years.

NPR: Cheeta, Screen Star for the Ages

Westfelt's uncle, Tony Gentry, was a Hollywood animal trainer who brought the young Cheeta back from a scouting expedition in Africa in the 1930s.

NPR: Cheeta, Screen Star for the Ages

And at 74, Cheeta has exceeded the average life expectancy for a chimpanzee in captivity by nearly a quarter-century, which makes this a very happy birthday indeed.

NPR: Cheeta, Screen Star for the Ages

But Cheeta, who turns 74 Sunday, isn't typical at all.

NPR: Cheeta, Screen Star for the Ages