NEED TO KNOW
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Sacramento Zoo announced the death of Ewell, a 54-year-old white-handed gibbon
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The monkey was euthanized on March 19 after ongoing age-related health conditions
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Ewell died several weeks after his daughter, Siidam, who also lived at the California zoo
The Sacramento Zoo is mourning the loss of one of its longest-standing residents.
In a statement shared on Facebook on Monday, March 24, the California zoo announced that Ewell, a 54-year-old white-handed gibbon monkey, was euthanized on March 19. In the statement, the facility noted that Ewell’s daughter, Siidam, had died just a few weeks earlier on March 2.
In response, the male monkey’s caretakers “closely observed Ewell’s wellbeing” to support the senior animal, who was also experiencing age-related health issues, through the loss.
Ewell, the white-handed gibbon, at the Sacramento Zoo
Credit: Courtesy Sacramento Zoo
“Ewell was already under close observation for several age-related health conditions, including arthritis and declining vision, over several years prior to Siidam’s passing,” the zoo shared, adding, “The combination of these, and other, factors led to our team making the decision to humanely euthanize Ewell on March 19.”
According to the post, Ewell, who arrived at the zoo in 1976, became a favorite among animal caretakers and visitors alike through his years at the park.
“At approximately 54 years of age, Ewell far surpassed the average life expectancy of his species, around 40,” added the zoo on social media. Ewell’s impressive age made him the oldest male, white-handed gibbon in an institution accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
In its death announcement, the zoo also praised Ewell’s longevity as “a testament to the incredible, dedicated care and compassionate professionalism” of the facility’s staff and animal caretakers.
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“This is a significant loss to the zoo. Ewell, and Siidam before him, will be missed by the countless lives they touched in their time here at the Sacramento Zoo, especially those who worked with them,” the announcement concluded. “Please keep those who worked with Ewell in your thoughts during this incredibly challenging time.”
Read the original article on People