Thiele was born on July 14, 1986 in Vallejo, California. She spent her early years at Marine World Africa, USA with her biological sister Patti and surrogate sister Maggie, who also live at Chimps Inc. Thiele was made to perform to the laughter and amusement of crowds of people through her entire childhood. Like many entertainment chimps, Thiele became unmanageable and could no longer "act" in front of the public or be handled by her trainers.

In 1996, Marine World closed down their chimpanzee show. They shuffled out and sold most of their chimpanzee performers to other commercial sectors. However, Thiele remained at the park as a companion for Maggie, who continued to be exploited for entertainment purposes. Then, in 1999, both Thiele and Maggie were considered unprofitable and they were relocated to another facility in Auburn, California. Nearly six years later, the facility underwent financial difficulties and could no longer afford to care for them. It was only natural that Thiele and Maggie move to Chimps Inc. where their sister and companion Patti was living.

Despite a separation of nine years, the shared embraces and pant hoots between Patti, Thiele, and Maggie were enough proof to know they recognized each other. Since then, the sister trio have reformed a close bond, spending most of their nights in the same enclosure and rushing to each other's side if needed. Additionally, Thiele has become good friends with Topo, our alpha male, and the two can frequently be seen sleeping together on the same platform. She has established herself as a surrogate mother to little Emma and the two are never far apart. If you listen closely one can always hear faint giggles in the background - that would be Thiele tickling Emma on her legs and belly. They truly act like family and these bonds help