Big Guy, a spider monkey who was a familiar face at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for more than four decades, died peacefully from old age on August 17, 2026. He was approximately 45 years old, far beyond the 20 to 25 year life expectancy typical for spider monkeys in human care. He had been part of the Zoo for more than 40 years and led its spider monkey troop.
Big Guy was a contributor to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums spider monkey Species Survival Plan. He fathered 23 offspring and was the grandfather of 22 and great-grandfather of 13, as well as a step-grandfather to four confiscated spider monkeys that joined the troop. Chief executive Richard Glover credited him with helping ensure the long-term viability of the plan's population, describing him as a leader within his troop and an ambassador for his species. The Zoo also credited Big Guy with helping teach younger troop members how to be spider monkeys.
Erin Bussom, the Zoo's general curator, was Big Guy's keeper for more than 15 years, a stretch in which she watched him grow older while he watched her build her career. She recalled the troop's earlier round corn crib habitat at the Zoo's entrance and later watched the animals explore a new spider monkey exhibit, and in his later years saw him teach younger confiscated monkeys how to find their place in a troop. The Zoo noted that guests remembered him from visits including Tongue Out Tuesdays, and that after Hurricane Ian closed the Zoo for 28 days, with a skeleton staff and no guests, he warmed to Glover, who had drawn little interest from him before.
Press release issued by Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens:
https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/big-guy-leaves-lasting-legacy-at-the-central-florida-zoo-botanical-gardens/
🤖 AI-assisted content notice: This item was written with AI assistance from the source document linked above. The underlying facts come from that public source, not from our own reporting. No quotes, interviews or original reporting are implied. Spotted something wrong? Email corrections@theorlandoconnect.com.
