OKLAHOMA CITY – The OKC Zoo has lost a longtime primate friend.

Zoo officials said 50-year-old “Kathy,” considered the matriarch of her Western lowland gorilla troop died peacefully Tuesday morning.

The cause of her death is unknown until officials finish the autopsy.

 Zoo deputy director Alan Varsik said, “She had a gentle and caring nature and we will greatly miss her presence at the Zoo.”

While at the Oklahoma City Zoo, Kathy gave had eight children, including George, son of Zoo favorite, Bom Bom, who died of a heart attack last July.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Lawmakers in our state’s house are attempting to pass a bill that would legalize the slaughter of horses in the Sooner State.

Under House Bill 1999, the meat from the slaughter would then be shipped out of state and even out of the country.

For many, horses are more than just livestock, they are pets.

Tribute Equine Rescue CEO Natalee Cross said, “Horses aren’t your typical livestock animals, they are pets, they are compassionate.”

Law makers said many people simply can’t afford to take care of their horses.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A heartwarming update to a horrific case of animal abuse.

A dog severely injured after being tossed off a highway overpass finds a new home.

Two weeks ago someone threw the German Shepard from a bridge at S.E. 59th onto I-40.

The state trooper who first found the dog injured on the side of the road adopted the animal.

The dog, named Rookie, will have to rest and recover for about three months but he is expected to make a full recovery.

Sporting a few bandages and wearing a collar, Rookie is a popular new addition to the Fisher family.

“My 10-year-old daughter is already buying him gifts and bones and a big pillow,” OHP trooper Jennifer Fisher said.

Rookie is lucky to limp out of the hospital alive.

Trooper Fisher, the first to arrive on scene after someone tossed the dog off the bridge, found Rookie suffering serious leg injuries.