The Legacy of Spiderman
February 13, 2025
One of the most unforgettable residents of Chattanooga Zoo was a Spider Monkey named Spiderman. He became a beloved figure and an iconic part of the Zoo's history, capturing the hearts of staff and visitors alike. Spiderman wasn't just an animal; he symbolized the Zoo's journey through the years. As Darde Long, president and CEO of Chattanooga Zoo fondly recalls, "Spiderman was here when I arrived in August of 1985."
When Spiderman first arrived at the Zoo, he lived alone. However, as Darde remembers, "I believe there had been others with him previously." Spiderman quickly became a star, famous for his unique antics, especially his love for a giant exercise wheel in his enclosure. Spiderman would leap off the roof of his den, grab the wheel, and spin it wildly, only to launch himself off and land on the chain-link wall. He loved performing for crowds, and visitors couldn't get enough of his playfulness.
But Spiderman wasn't just putting on a show for the crowds — he also had a mischievous streak with the Zoo's staff. Darde recalls how Spiderman liked to catch her off guard, saying, "He loved to catch me not paying attention and flip over the wheelbarrow with all of the diets for that side of the Zoo." His playful pranks kept everyone on their toes, and his lively spirit was a constant reminder of his fun-loving personality.
In 1996, the Zoo underwent a significant transformation, and with it came a new spider monkey exhibit. Spiderman was introduced to three other monkeys from the San Diego Zoo, marking the start of a new chapter in his life. But no matter the changes, Spiderman never forgot the connections he had made. Darde fondly remembers, "He never forgot who I was and would run up and down the length of the glass viewing area and play whenever I came for a visit." Spiderman's playful gestures showed affection for the team that had cared for him all these years.
As time went on, Spiderman's health began to decline “due to his old age”. Darde, deeply attached to the monkey who had been with her since the beginning, and all of Spideman’s caregivers, spent his final days with him. "I spent a good bit of time with him in his last days as our whole team worked to find his favorite foods and keep him eating," Darde reflects. This heartfelt dedication highlighted the deep bond between them. Everyone worked hard to make him content and comfortable during his last days.
Spiderman's passing marked the end of an era. "He was the last animal here at the Zoo that was here when I came, and I will miss him very much," Darde says. Spiderman's death wasn't just the loss of an animal; it symbolized the closing of a significant chapter in the Zoo's history.
Though Spiderman is no longer with us, his spirit remains woven into the Zoo's history. He embodied the playful and curious nature of the animals who call Chattanooga Zoo home. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who cared for him and in the minds of the lucky visitors who saw him. Over the years, the Zoo has evolved, but Spiderman will forever be a part of its story.
As Darde Long sums it up, "I will miss him very much," and so will all of us. Spiderman may have left this world, but his legacy at Chattanooga Zoo and his impact on everyone who met him will endure.
