MIAMI (CBSMiami) – One of Jungle Island’s most popular primates, Peanut the orangutan, has been diagnosed with cancer.

Peanut, an eight-year-old female, has non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Even though the news came as a surprise to Jungle Island, they have wasted no time putting together a world-class team committed to providing the active ape with the best care possible.

Vets found the cancer while performing abdominal surgery to remove what they thought was a simple obstruction.

The veterinary staff at Jungle Island turned to the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine’s Division of Comparative Pathology which confirmed the diagnosis and is providing a wealth of medical information to begin Peanuts battle with cancer.

“Peanut is loved by so many people and we consider her part of our family, so we are really hoping that Peanut’s cancer treatment is successful. We just can’t imagine losing her,” said Linda Jacobs, Orangutan Caregiver at Jungle Island.

Peanut and her fraternal twin sister Pumpkin have been a part of the Jungle Island family since their birth and are some of the park’s most famous residents.

Keep track of Peanut’s health and her treatment progress by clicking here or visiting their Facebook page.