Home / Environment / Sacramento Zoo Loses Beloved 54-Year-Old Gibbon
Sacramento Zoo Loses Beloved 54-Year-Old Gibbon
24 Mar
Summary
- Sacramento Zoo's oldest male white-handed gibbon, Ewell, has died at 54.
- Ewell was humanely euthanized due to age-related decline.
- His species is endangered and typically lives to around 40 years.
A significant loss has been experienced at the Sacramento Zoo with the passing of Ewell, a cherished white-handed gibbon. Ewell, who had been a resident of the zoo since 1976, was euthanized on March 19 at the age of 54. This decision was made due to age-related decline and other factors, as zookeepers had been closely monitoring his health.
Ewell's death follows closely on the heels of his daughter, Siidam, who also passed away earlier in March. He held the distinction of being the oldest male white-handed gibbon within the Association of Zoos & Aquariums network. The zoo noted that Ewell's lifespan significantly exceeded the average life expectancy for his species, which is approximately 40 years.
The Sacramento Zoo expressed deep sadness over the loss, stating that Ewell and Siidam will be missed by many, especially those who worked closely with them. White-handed gibbons, native to Southeast Asia, are currently listed as endangered species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, making Ewell's long life and contributions to conservation efforts even more notable.
