Ewell (Credit: Sacramento Zoo)
(FOX40.COM) — A gibbon who lived at the Sacramento Zoo for 50 years has died just weeks after his daughter passed away.
Ewell, a white-handed gibbon, was euthanized last Thursday, the zoo announced Monday. Officials said he was under “close observation” for multiple age-related conditions, including arthritis and declining vision.
“The combination of these, and other, factors led to our team making the decision to humanely euthanize Ewell on March 19,” the zoo said in a social media post.
His daughter, 38-year-old Siidam, was euthanized early this month after her health declined due to severe liver disease.
Read more: Sacramento Zoo mourns loss of 38-year-old gibbon
Ewell arrived at the zoo in 1976 at about four years of age. He lived to be about 54 — significantly longer than the species’ average life span, which officials said is about 40 years. He was the oldest male white-handed gibbon in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums facility.
“Ewell’s longevity is a testament to the incredible, dedicated care and compassionate professionalism of our veterinary and animal care teams,” the zoo said.
Officials said Ewell’s death is a “significant loss” for the zoo.
“Please keep those who worked with Ewell in your thoughts during this incredibly challenging time,” the zoo said.
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