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.
Matt Damon’s Gray Hair Is Making Fans Say He’s Even More Handsome – See the Stunning Transformation
As Matt Damon turns 54, it’s clear he’s only getting better with age. From his early dark hair to his striking gray locks, the “Interstellar” star’s transformation has been noticed by fans, and they love every part of it.
Matt Damon has been a Hollywood heartthrob for many years, but his recent transformation shows he’s just getting better as he gets older.
He became famous for his role in the 1997 film “Good Will Hunting,” which he co-wrote with his best friend Ben Affleck. This film won him an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, and he has remained a key figure in the entertainment world for over three decades.
His strong jaw, fit body, and dark hair were his signature looks for a long time, but now he’s embracing a new style that has fans talking.
In January 2024, Damon surprised everyone at the Golden Globes when he appeared with a full head of gray hair. For most of his career, Damon kept his brown hair, rarely changing his style.
But as time passed, Damon’s hair went from dark brown to blonde, and now to a silver shade, making him a “silver fox” that many fans adore.
While some were surprised by his new look, many praised it. On Instagram, fans flooded the comments with compliments. “Still good looking tho [sic],” said one person, and another added, “He still looks very handsome.”
His gray hair even caused a buzz on Twitter, with one user saying, “Oh Matt Damon looks good with the gray hair.” On Daily Mail, a discussion thread praised his timeless appeal.
During the event, Matt was seated at the same table as his good friend Ben Affleck and his ex-wife Jennifer Lopez. Damon was there with his wife, Luciana Barroso. “Matt has aged but still looks good and is so talented,” a fan commented. “Ben must have been happy they shared the table with their supportive wives!”
This isn’t the first time Matt’s appearance has been a topic of conversation. In 2023, some fans criticized him for gaining a little weight.
“Matt Damon put on some weight,” said a user in February 2023, while others questioned his change in physique. But Damon stayed true to himself and kept in shape.
When he was spotted shirtless on the beach in Miami in September 2023, Damon showed off his fit body, with six-pack abs. Seeing him confidently walking along the beach with his wife, Barroso, cleared up any concerns about his fitness.
Through all of this, Damon has stayed grounded. He has been happily married to Barroso since 2005, and they share a blended family. They are often seen together at high-profile events, like the premiere of “Air” in Los Angeles in March 2023, where Damon reunited with Affleck.
The two childhood friends showed their lifelong bond while supporting each other’s careers. Fans noticed how Damon’s appearance had changed over the years, but his love for his family has remained the same.
Now at 54, Matt Damon continues to evolve, from his classic brown hair to his blonde look in the “Bourne” series, and now to his distinguished gray hair.
As Matt Damon grows older, his transformation adds to his legacy as one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars. His silver hair is just one more part of his ever-changing style.
From his youthful dark hair in “Good Will Hunting” to his more rugged blonde look in “The Bourne” films, and now his striking gray hair, one thing is clear — Damon will always be a Hollywood heartthrob.
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