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| December 19, 2008
Media Contact: Sondra Katzen Brookfield Zoo 708/688-8351 Sondra.Katzen@CZS.org |
Note: Images of Beta may be downloaded at our photo download page. Brookfield, IL— Beta, 47, one of the oldest western lowland gorillas in a North American zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, died late Thursday night at Brookfield Zoo. She was a favorite among her keepers, who are mourning her death today at Brookfield Zoo, which is managed by the Chicago Zoological Society (CZS). “Beta had a great disposition and was well loved by the primate staff who cared for her. Colleagues and zoo guests often said she had a very photogenic face,” said Craig Demitros, associate curator of primates for CZS. The zoo’s veterinary staff had been monitoring Beta’s medical condition over the past several months. She had been showing signs of discomfort and it was discovered on an exam that she had cancer in her uterus. A CT scan was performed last evening to better determine her condition, and whether or not surgery was an option. Beta died from respiratory and cardiac arrest late last night recovering from anesthesia, despite attempts by veterinarians to revive her. Pathologists performed a necropsy (animal autopsy) today and preliminary results indicate the uterine tumor was inoperable. One of the most celebrated gorillas in human care, Beta’s long life represented the continual advancements in geriatric veterinary medicine for gorillas. She was the first gorilla to have two hips replaced to ease osteoarthritis and the first to be treated for uterine fibroids using advanced technologies. “Beta’s quality of life was improved several times throughout her long life due to the extraordinary veterinary and zookeeper care she received here at the zoo. The medical knowledge Beta helped us learn has transferred to improving the lives of gorillas at other zoos around the country,” said Kim Smith, vice president of Animal Programs for CZS. “She lived very comfortably at Brookfield Zoo until the end of her life. We are all going to miss her.” Beta arrived at Brookfield Zoo on August 2, 1963, when she was about two-and-a-half years old. Since she was wild born, her estimated date of birth is March 1961. She could easily be referred to as the “poster-child of geriatric gorilla firsts.” Over her latter years, CZS veterinary staff has worked with a number of medical consultants from veterinary specialists to physicians to address Beta’s health concerns. In April 2007, Beta was experiencing an irregular menstrual cycle and heavy bleeding (symptoms that many perimenopausal human females experience) due to a small fibroid or benign tumor. An obstetrician/gynecologist performed what is believed to be the first-ever documented hydrothermal ablation (HTA), a non-invasive procedure that affects the inner lining of the uterus. The result is a reduction and sometimes total elimination of menstrual bleeding. The HTA showed promise at first, but due to the size and location of the fibroid, alleviated the problem for only a few months. A more permanent solution was necessary, and in September 2007, a team of interventional radiologists performed the first-ever documented uterine fibroid embolization on a non-human primate. This high-tech, minimally invasive treatment caused the fibroid to shrink, which stopped the bleeding. In 1986, Beta was the first and only gorilla to have had bilateral hip replacement surgery due to severe osteoarthritis. Beta is survived by three descendents that reside at other AZA accredited zoos as well as the eight members of Brookfield Zoo’s gorilla group in Tropic World. “The Chicago Zoological Society is committed to the care and conservation of all species, but individual animals like Beta are particularly special. The millions of visitors who saw her during her life at the zoo were hopefully inspired to think of what they can do to help protect animals around the world,” said Smith. The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Open every day of the year, the zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service. |