Betty, the chimpanzee that had been at the Dublin Zoo for the longest and the oldest living chimp under human care, passed away last week at the age of 62. She was one of the zoo’s most cherished and well-known inmates.
A zoo blog article claims that Betty had age-related ailments that were impairing her quality of life, and the tough choice to end her life was made to spare her from suffering in the future.
Although it is heartbreaking to lose Betty, she enjoyed a lengthy life that exceeded the average lifespan of a chimpanzee in captivity. According to the zoo, she was also the oldest chimpanzee in human care at the time of her death.
Team leader Helen Clarke Bennett of Dublin Zoo, who has worked as a zookeeper since 1987 and has known Betty for many years, paid tribute to her.
In 1964, a West African chimpanzee named Betty made her way to Dublin. Bennett notes that Betty participated in archaic practices like “Chimp Tea Parties” and that the Dublin Zoo continued to operate in the “style of the early Victorian era zoos” throughout that period.
Betty saw major advancements in zoo standards throughout her decades-long confinement. For example, in the 1990s, the chimp habitat was transformed from a metal-barred concrete “pit” to an island with trees.
Bennett claimed to have known Betty since the zoo’s early years since Michael Clarke, Betty’s father, was looking after her at the time. The chimp was “always strong-minded,” according to him, and would not give up on her goals.
After Wendy moved in 1964, Betty’s best friend, Wendy, became an integral part of her life for the majority of it. One of the cutest pairs in the zoo was formed by the two monkeys.
“Wendy had a cheeky side, but Betty could hold her accountable!” Bennett penned the piece. “When Wendy was obstinately refusing to go outside while the habitat was being cleaned, Betty putting her arm around her to encourage her to go outside with the rest of the troop will always be one of my favorite pictures.”
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Betty and Wendy celebrated their 50th birthdays together in 2012 at the zoo. The zoo workers believed that Betty, who was devastated by Wendy’s death in 2014, wouldn’t be far behind.
She even managed to live on for a further ten years, rising to the rank of dominating female chimpanzee and earning the title of longest-serving inhabitant of the zoo.
Bennett stated that Betty experienced reduced kidney function and chronic arthritis in her latter years, which affected her weight and mobility. She was also under continuous wellness management.
They had to make the tough but humane decision to end the beloved chimp’s life after all medicinal and surgical alternatives had been tried. Even though Betty is no longer with us, she will always be cherished as a unique original and a zoogoer’s favorite for many decades to come.
“Although I am really saddened to bid farewell to a friend I have known since I was a young child, I am sure that Betty’s euthanasia was the right choice, ensuring that she didn’t suffer needlessly and preserving her dignity to the very end. That gives me a great deal of comfort,” Bennett wrote.
“Everyone here at Dublin Zoo as well as the many generations of visitors who were fortunate enough to know her will miss Betty terribly; there will never be another like her.”
Peace be with you, Betty. You lived a very long life, and it’s obvious that your loved ones and caregivers cherished you.
49ers Star Charvarius Ward the Lose of His 1-Year-Old Daughter
Superstar football player Charvarius Ward shared heartbreaking news on Instagram yesterday, October 29, 2024. In an emotional post, he revealed that his baby daughter had passed away.
49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward recently shared heartbreaking news on Instagram about the loss of his 1-year-old daughter, Amani Joy. Ward, who founded the organization Charvarius for Change in 2021, posted a loving photo of Amani smiling beside a loved one.
In his message, Charvarius expressed his sorrow, sharing that Amani had passed away on Monday morning, October 28, 2024. He described her as a “blessing” who filled their lives with joy, teaching them patience, trust, and positivity.
The grieving father, who began his football career at Hinds Community College, spoke about Amani’s strength and courage. He shared how she brought happiness to every room with her smile, adding that she had overcome challenges at such a young age.
Charvarius and Amani’s mom, Monique, felt privileged to experience the world through Amani’s eyes, which brought positive change to their lives. Charvarius ended his message by saying, “She will forever be daddy’s best friend and mommy’s little girl. We’ll miss you and love you forever, Amani Joy.”
In addition to his post, Charvarius shared on his Instagram Story with a message on a black background, saying, “I’m Broken ,” along with a photo of Amani in a onesie with the words, “My Baby. My Life. My Queen. My Heart. My Everything .” Monique also shared a post on her Story, writing, “My baby. God why? .”
The 49ers also expressed condolences, describing Amani as bringing joy to everyone with her “sweet demeanor and contagious laugh.” They added that they stand in grief with Charvarius and Monique, offering their love and support.
Earlier this year, Charvarius had shared a series of photos of Amani on Instagram to honor World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, 2024. He shared joyful moments with her and spoke about how Amani was a blessing. Initially, he and Monique struggled with her diagnosis, but those feelings turned to love once they saw her. Amani was born on November 17, 2022, and had undergone heart surgery early in life, but her parents cherished every moment with her.
An Instagram account created by Amani’s parents captured key moments of her life, from her birth to joyful times spent with her family. Our deepest condolences go out to Amani’s parents and loved ones as they mourn her loss.
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