In a post on social media, Riverside Discovery Center in Scottsbluff announced the passing of their Black-Handed Spider Monkey named Scootie (Scooter). “Scootie was born in 1986 and had a difficult start to life, in a situation that did not provide adequate housing or nutrition to her.
When she was surrendered to Riverside Discovery Center, almost 29 years ago, she was in such poor health that staff at the time thought she wouldn’t live much longer. Scootie beat the odds and flourished in an environment that provided her with the healthcare she needed, a balanced diet, and a support system that put their hearts and souls into caring for her.
Over the years she touched the lives of countless zoo guests and zoo staff. Her story inspired people, and she formed close relationships with her caretakers with her spirited personality. As a long term resident of the zoo, her story was shared with many zoo guests who loved to stop by, read her plaque and see her. She came in with the name “Scooter” which evolved to “Scootie” but keepers also called her “Scootie-Patootie” or “Scoot-Patoot”. Always with her were her stuffed “baby” that was a small stuffed cat and a blanket for comfort.
While she was not able to be housed with other spider monkeys because of having brittle bones because of poor nutrition early in life and her becoming stressed when touched, she could see and vocalize with our spider monkey group which allowed her to participate in natural vocalizations. She also loved interacting with visitors and was often heard chattering excitedly at those who came to see her. She was smart and loved to interact with enrichment provided by her keepers, especially when they involved her favorite snacks: watermelon, grapes, raisins, gatorade, and egg yolk.
Her caretakers were lucky to have had as much time with her as they did, this species typically lives an average of 27 years in the wild and 25-30 years in human care. Scootie was about 38 years old making her an extraordinary ambassador for her species. Scootie’s passing will leave a hole in the hearts of all who helped in her care over the last 29 years as well as zoo guests who have come to visit her.”