Riverside Park and the Ralph Mitchell Zoo are saddened to announce the death of their most senior resident. Label, the zoo’s oldest black-handed spider monkey, passed away at the age of 46. She was born on August 12, 1976, at Sedgwick County Zoo and came to Ralph Mitchell Zoo on March 21, 1988.

Because the Ralph Mitchell Zoo functions as a Geriatric Zoo and cares for species in their senior years, the zoo has lost several older animals in the last year. The Zoo posted on its Facebook page that it’s always hard to say goodbye and they are privileged to have the opportunity to care for them and share them with visitors for whatever time they have. The Zoo says its Master Plan includes goals to acquire new species and younger animals when possible as space and circumstances allow.

The zoo says Label had a great long life and they are thankful the zoo could be her home for so many years.