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.
Amber Heard finds peace and freedom in Spain
Amber Heard, the beloved actress who gained fame through her legal battle with Johnny Depp, has chosen the enchanting country of Spain as her refuge. Settling in the charming city of Palma de Mallorca, she has taken a well-deserved break from the prying public eye. Alongside her is her adorable one-year-old daughter, Oonagh Paige Heard, while she shares this new chapter of her life with her dear friend, Bianca Butti, a talented Hollywood writer, producer, and cinematographer. Together, they appreciate the joys of living outside the United States.
Seeking justice and embracing a new beginning
Recently, a defamation lawsuit ended with Depp winning, but Heard has made a determined choice to distance herself from the public attention. Her focus now lies in raising her daughter and reclaiming her life without the constant overshadowing influence of Depp. Although the verdict did not favor her, Heard remains resilient and has decided to appeal the case, hoping to reduce or remove the hefty $8.3 million penalty she now faces.
While overturning the financial burden may seem like a challenge, Heard’s legal team firmly believes that significant discrepancies in the jury selection process could potentially change the outcome. Despite the legal battles, Heard has found solace and calmness in the beauty of Spain.
Embracing tranquility in the Spanish haven
Seizing the opportunity of her peaceful retreat, Heard is cherishing precious moments with her daughter, Oonagh Paige Heard. The idyllic surroundings and the stunning Mediterranean Sea serve as the perfect backdrop for quality time and relaxation. Alongside her is Butti, a talented filmmaker with an impressive portfolio, making their exploration of Spain even more delightful.
Pursuing Hollywood ventures while keeping harmony as a priority
While focusing on her personal life, Heard continues to make remarkable strides in Hollywood. Her recent appearance in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” garnered much praise, and she eagerly awaits the release of her film “In the Fire,” currently in post-production. On the other hand, her ex-husband Johnny Depp remains active in the industry, featuring in a new Netflix film titled “La Favorite” and working on another installment of the beloved series “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Depp will also make an eagerly anticipated appearance in “Fantastic Beasts 3.” Both Heard and Depp are forging their paths independently, with Depp enjoying a string of successes following his courtroom victory.
Amber Heard faces trials and triumphs with unwavering strength. As she prioritizes her personal life and looks forward to new opportunities in Hollywood, she finds tranquility and a sense of freedom in the embrace of Spain.
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