Racine Zoo announces death of White-handed Gibbon 'Yule,' one of their longest residents

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- On Monday, the Racine Zoo announced the death of one of their longest residents. 

Yule, the White-handed Gibbon, was humanely euthanized on Oct. 22 at 58 years old. Zoo staff says he first arrived at the zoo in 1986, with his daughter and exhibit-mate, Robin. Yule fathered six daughters, including Robin, and has over 30 descendants. 

The zoo says Yule "far surpassed" the White-handed Gibbon life expectancy and is believed to be one of the oldest known. They say in the wild, White-handed Gibbons live approximately 30 years, and even in human care, few live to be in their 50s. 

Racine zoo veterinary and animal care staff noted a significant change in Yule this summer as he began having difficulty using his right hand and leg - something they say was progressive and untreatable. 

In a press release, the zoo wrote in part:

"Yule's impact on the community cannot be understated. His decades of residence have touched multiple generations of zoo visitors, helping to foster an appreciation for his species."

His caretaker said Yule would often "ask to go outside to sunbathe, loved to wrestle with his daughter, eat uncooked oats and catching flying insects in mid-air. 

The zoo says White-handed Gibbons are an endangered ape found in Southeast Asia and are a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan.