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.
A Husband Asks His Wife
Reading jokes offers numerous benefits for both mental and emotional health.
Firstly, it stimulates the brain by enhancing cognitive functions such as memory and comprehension through the processing of punchlines and context.
Jokes often involve wordplay or unexpected connections that can improve mental flexibility and creativity.
Additionally, laughter, as a direct result of reading jokes, releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, promoting an overall sense of well-being and temporarily relieving pain.
It reduces stress levels by lowering stress hormones and easing tension in the body.
Engaging with humor also fosters social interaction and bonding when shared, enhancing relationships and communication skills.
Moreover, it can provide a new perspective on difficult situations, acting as a coping mechanism during tough times.
This, reading jokes is not only a source of entertainment but also a beneficial activity for psychological resilience and social health.
Check the joke below: A husband asks his wife: “Will you marry after I die?” The wife responds: “No, I will live with my sister.”
The wife asks him back: “Will you marry after I die?” The husband responds: “No, I will also live with your sister.”
So in this joke, in a lighthearted exchange filled with underlying affection and humor, a husband and wife contemplate their lives after the other’s passing.
The wife initially declares she wouldn’t remarry, choosing instead to live with her sister for companionship.
The husband’s witty response mirrors hers, jokingly saying he too would live with her sister, injecting a playful twist into their conversation.
This banter highlights their comfortable and teasing relationship, showcasing a deep bond where even a discussion about such a somber topic can be approached with humor.
Their dialogue reaffirms their commitment and the unique understanding they share, wrapped in light-hearted love.
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