Woodland Park Zoo Press Release

SEATTLE - A 24-year-old female patas monkey at Woodland Park Zoo was humanely euthanized today following a long history of care for a thoracic mass and continued decline in health. The monkey, named Prudence, was having age related health issues. She lived in the zoo’s award-winning African Savanna exhibit with three other patas monkeys, a male and two females, her daughters.

Patas monkeys can live 15 to 20 years in the wild. In zoos, however, patas monkeys can live over 20 years due to the evolving field of medical science for captive wildlife, improved nutritional programs and excellent animal care.

According to zoo Interim Director of Animal Health Dr. Kelly Helmick, the postmortem exam confirmed multiple masses affecting the esophagus. “The quality of the elderly monkey’s life was compromised, so we made the humane decision to euthanize her,” explained Helmick.

Patas monkeys, native to Africa, are primarily ground-dwelling primates and are often found in open bush and grass savanna regions. Their long, slender arms and legs enable them to run up to 35 miles per hour. When required, a patas can go from 0 to 33 miles per hour in three seconds! Patas monkeys are frequently hunted for its meat and are sometimes considered pests since they raid crops. Heavy cattle grazing and the conversion of savanna areas into farmland have reduced available habitat. In some instances, deforestation has converted once humid areas into drier savanna zones. In turn, this actually increases suitable habitat for patas monkeys.

Zoo fall/winter hours are 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. daily. For more information and about the zoo’s Rainy Day Tour, visit www.zoo.org or call 206.684.4800.

Accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, award-winning Woodland Park Zoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting a standard for zoos all over the world. With conservation, education and excellent animal care at the core of the zoo’s mission, the zoo is helping to save endangered species in Washington state and around the world including tree kangaroos, snow leopards, red-crowned cranes, African wild dogs, western pond turtles and Oregon silverspot butterflies. By inspiring visitors and others to care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future.