(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-01-15 09:58

Zookeepers in Zhengzhou, Henan province, are trying to make a resident chimp quit smoking.

"Philly" got hooked on the habit months ago by picking up cigarette butts discarded by visitors.

The chimp succumbed to the smokes and would squeal for cigarettes every time she needed a drag.

The primate reportedly even developed a taste for specific brands - it picked the more expensive one when presented with two choices a few days ago.

Zookeepers have added Chinese herbs to Philly's diet to wean it off the cigarettes.

(China News)