Millions of social media users mourn 12-year-old pet monkey who died during vet visit

Social media users are mourning the death of a monkey that brought joy to millions on TikTok and Instagram.

George the monkey had been living with a family in Houston, Texas for ten years, and in that time found viral fame thanks to countless cute videos of him playing, eating, and opening packages.

But on Wednesday, Jeff, who runs his social media accounts, announced the ‘devastating news’ that George has passed away due to complications following a procedure on his teeth.

George, who has 17.7 million TikTok followers, was adopted by Jeff’s mother-in-law as an emotional support animal to help her with CRPS, a painful nerve disorder. 

The 12-year-old capuchin monkey has not only brought comfort to her, but to a huge social media audience.

And on Wednesday, those fans were crushed to learn that George had died unexpectedly. 

‘We have some devastating news,’ Jeff wrote in a video. 

‘George went to the vet for a regular check up on his teeth. During, there were complications with the anesthesia, starting a long fight for his life.

‘Through the fight, George was sent thousands of thoughts and prayers with the hope that he would make it. 

‘On June 7th at 4pm Central, Georgie Boy passed away,’ the message continued.

‘Though the fun-loving life of George has left, his spirit of hope and love lives on. We love you, George. 

Jeff also took to Twitter to shared his thoughts on the beloved pet’s passing. 

‘I look back on George’s life and I have so many emotions, but one thing I do feel is gratitude,’ he wrote.

‘George was such a special monkey with a huge purpose. I am thankful for the life he brought to his mom who suffers with CRPS, and grateful that he was given to us. We love you, George!’  

Commenters were heartbroken to hear the news, calling it ‘awful’ and ‘the worst news I’ve heard all year.’

‘This doesn’t seem real. I’m so sorry for your loss,’ wrote one fan.

‘George, you had the power to make everyone happy and laugh when they were down. Such a loving little soul. My thoughts especially to his immediate family. Such sad news. Can’t believe it,’ said another. 

‘This breaks my heart. I’m a grown man almost in tears and I never met this wonderful guy. Rest easy George,’ added yet another.

George had risen to fame in particular for videos of him opening packages. He always eagerly ripped open boxes and bags, seeming to smile as he pulled out what was inside and examined it.

The popularity of the videos even earned him sponsorship deals, and fans would ship him presents from Amazon. 

In clips that racked up hundreds of thousands and even millions of views, he’d happily play with his new toys or dig in to snacks that came through the mail. 

In one that has been viewed 5.8 million times, he opened a pack of balloons that Jeff gamely blew up for him.

He then gleefully bounced around the room playing with the balloons, and kicked back in a pile of them. 

George’s family even launched a merchandise line in his name.