Chongqing chimp goes viral for sweeping on Little New Year

During the celebration of Little New Year, which fell on Wednesday this year in southern China, a 24-year-old male chimpanzee named Yu Hui at the Locajoy Theme Park in Chongqing, went viral on social media after being captured on video cleaning his room with a broom.

Yu Hui has long been a magnet for public attention. His rise to fame began in late 2019, when he became an internet sensation for his uncanny ability to mimic human actions, such as washing, wringing, and hanging clothes. This impressive display of skill earned him the affectionate nickname "Housekeeping Chimp".

In recognition of his unique talents, the park honored him with the title "Model Worker of the Animal Kingdom" around the May Day holiday in 2021, complete with a certificate and treats. The ceremony ignited another wave of social media buzz. His popularity continued to soar in May 2022 when his caretaker publicly sought a mate for him.