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.”
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.
Remembering the Charm of Dolly Pegs
Ah, the memories of days gone by. Do you recall those lovable wooden dolls that used to adorn your grandma’s clothesline? They were called dolly pegs, and they possessed a certain allure that is difficult to resist. In this article, let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore why these petite wooden companions still hold a special place in our hearts, even in the 21st century.
Dolly pegs are the adorable wooden clothespins that resembled miniature people. They had a head, a body, and a pair of tiny wooden arms. However, they were more than just laundry accessories in their time – they were a form of do-it-yourself art and a wellspring of boundless creativity.
Do you ever find yourself reminiscing about the good old days? Well, that is precisely why we are discussing dolly pegs now. These wooden dolls harken back to sunny afternoons spent playing in the backyard and helping out with chores. Remember giving them amusing names and creating epic adventures? Those were truly wonderful times, weren’t they?
One of the most fantastic aspects of dolly pegs is their versatility. You do not need to possess extraordinary crafting skills to transform them into something extraordinary. With some paint, fabric, and a dash of imagination, you can fashion personalized ornaments, fridge magnets, or even little companions for your desk. It is a marvelous way to stimulate your creative spirit without straining your wallet.
In a world brimming with flashy gadgets, it is refreshing to encounter something simple yet captivating. Dolly pegs offer a breath of fresh air for children. They provide a marvelous DIY project that fosters fine motor skills and encourages imaginative play. Furthermore, it presents an opportunity for them to disconnect from screens and allow their creativity to roam free.
But dolly pegs are not solely for the little ones – they can also infuse warmth into your home decor. Picture a delightful row of peg people hanging from a string, brightening your day each time you pass them by. It is a modest yet effective way to infuse your living space with character and charm.
So there you have it – the humble dolly pegs are reclaiming their place in the most delightful manner. They may be unpretentious, but their ability to trigger memories, ignite creativity, and evoke a sense of nostalgia is truly remarkable. So, why not dust off those old wooden pegs and embark on a journey of do-it-yourself delight? Sometimes, it is the simplest things in life that bring us the greatest joy.
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