Oliver began his life as a sideshow attraction after the Burgers sold him to a New York attorney, who later sold him to a group of animal trainers. These animal trainers billed Oliver as the missing link. According to the story they told, Oliver had 47 chromosomes — one less than apes, one more than humans. Oliver toured Japan in the 1970s and was exhibited at animal theme parks in Southern California. Most of his owners were unable to deal with his odd habits, however, and his sideshow career ended in 1986 when he was sold to a laboratory.

An analysis of Oliver's chromosomes has proven that he isn't the missing link after all; he has 48 chromosomes, just like a normal chimpanzee. He now lives at Primarily Primates, an animal sanctuary outside of San Antonio, Texas, which has recently been under investigation for poor treatment of its primates. Of Oliver's current living conditions, the newly appointed head of the sanctuary said, "He used to fly in a 747, smoke cigars, and drink sherry. This is not what he is used to."