Oldest Gorilla in Captivity Dies at 55..... Humane Euthanization

[RollWithIt]

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/09/05/oldest.gorilla/index.html

DALLAS (AP) -- The oldest gorilla in captivity, a 55-year-old female named Jenny, has died at the Dallas Zoo, her home for more than half a century, a spokesman said Friday.

Zoo officials decided to euthanize Jenny on Thursday night because of an inoperable tumor in her stomach. Jenny had stopped eating and drinking recently, and tests showed that she was unlikely to recover, spokesman Sean Greene said.

"The last couple of weeks, we noticed that she hadn't been feeling all that great," Greene said. "It was a quality-of-life decision."

The zoo held a birthday bash in May to celebrate Jenny's longevity, with a cake made of a frozen fruit treats for the guest of honor.

Jenny was said to have a sweet disposition and enjoyed being around people. She was often seen napping below a fig tree in her habitat.

"We had a tough time saying goodbye," said Todd Bowsher, curator of the zoo's mammals in the Wilds of Africa exhibit.

[dogtag]

1. She's lovely.

Much better looking than Cindy or Sarah. Looks a lot smarter too.

Godspeed, Jenny.

[katandmoon]

2. RIP, Jenny.

[underseasurveyor]

3. oh goodnight sweet girl

.

[KoKo]

4. RIP, Jenny....may you live your life in a better place, someday...n/t

[leftchick]

5. I am sure she would have rather died with her family

in Africa before she was torn away from them. That is the tragedy.

:(

[blueknight]

6. rip jenny, you beautiful girl

rest well in a better place.

[marmar]

7. Still younger, smarter and more vibrant than the Republican nominee.....

n/t

[JeffreyWilliamson]

8. Rest in Peace, Jenny...

They're part of our family, albeit extended. I hope I go out with such serenity, and with those that care about me.