RIP in 2009

ozron · 09-17-2009, 09:02 PM

I didn't know where else to post this...

Today we lost Charlie.

Charlie was 39 years old and the alpha male of our chimpanzee group. He was a character who recognized zoo staff and even some regular visitors, and had a strong bond with his keepers. Raised in a time when zoo animals were often involved with research, Charlie had a rudimentary sign language vocabulary, and would engage some of his favorite staff in conversation. He would often sign "chase" when he wanted to play his favorite game, which involved running from one end of the exhibit to the other.

The AZA annual conference was in Portland this week, and the keynote speaker on Tuesday was Jane Goodall, who has known Charlie all his life. Today was "zoo day", the final day of the conference, when the delegates visit the hosting zoo. 1500 zoo professionals were on grounds.

Charlie was active and engaged this morning, on exhibit and interacting with the rest of the group normally. Early in the afternoon, the chimps became very vocal and agitated. Charlie had simply died.

I spoke with Dave, Charlie's keeper and friend of 30 years, a short time later (in fact, he's the one who told me). He was holding it together, but this will be a tough time for him. This is the toughest part of a zookeeper's profession. Earlier this year, Dave had expressed concern over Charlie's reaction to his imminent retirement. A newspaper article about them described the two of them as "two old men, sitting together just enjoying each other's company."

Please keep Dave and the rest of the keeper staff in your thoughts. They are dedicated, caring professionals for whom love is a tool of the trade. And grief comes with the territory.

Goodbye, Charlie.

Snowflake · 09-17-2009, 09:13 PM

Goodnight Charlie.

Dr. Goodall, one of my heros of all time. I met her once, thrilling.

flippyshark · 09-18-2009, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snowflake

Goodnight Charlie.

Dr. Goodall, one of my heros of all time. I met her once, thrilling.

I've also had that honor.

Bye bye Charlie. You were a credit to all hominids.

Gemini Cricket · 09-30-2009, 02:44 PM

Saturn*

Quote:

General Motors Co. said Wednesday it would shut down its Saturn brand after an agreement with Penske Automotive Group Inc. to acquire it fell apart. Penske, citing concerns of whether it could continue to supply vehicles after a manufacturing contract with GM ran out, ended talks with GM Wednesday to acquire the brand.

*The car company not the planet.

RStar · 09-30-2009, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gemini Cricket

*The car company not the planet.

I'm glad you cleared that up! I was worried....

Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds

Tref · 09-30-2009, 05:45 PM

Good night sweet prince.

JWBear · 09-30-2009, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tref

Good night sweet prince.

Sure you don't mean this dude?

Cadaverous Pallor · 09-30-2009, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevy Baby

Is Michael Jackson still dead?

He's just another part of me.

A-HEE-hee!

SzczerbiakManiac · 10-01-2009, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWBear

Wow, his quarterstaff has a flaccid penis.

09-17-2009, 09:02 PM	#1
ozron The once and former... Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 421	I didn't know where else to post this... Today we lost Charlie. Charlie was 39 years old and the alpha male of our chimpanzee group. He was a character who recognized zoo staff and even some regular visitors, and had a strong bond with his keepers. Raised in a time when zoo animals were often involved with research, Charlie had a rudimentary sign language vocabulary, and would engage some of his favorite staff in conversation. He would often sign "chase" when he wanted to play his favorite game, which involved running from one end of the exhibit to the other. The AZA annual conference was in Portland this week, and the keynote speaker on Tuesday was Jane Goodall, who has known Charlie all his life. Today was "zoo day", the final day of the conference, when the delegates visit the hosting zoo. 1500 zoo professionals were on grounds. Charlie was active and engaged this morning, on exhibit and interacting with the rest of the group normally. Early in the afternoon, the chimps became very vocal and agitated. Charlie had simply died. I spoke with Dave, Charlie's keeper and friend of 30 years, a short time later (in fact, he's the one who told me). He was holding it together, but this will be a tough time for him. This is the toughest part of a zookeeper's profession. Earlier this year, Dave had expressed concern over Charlie's reaction to his imminent retirement. A newspaper article about them described the two of them as "two old men, sitting together just enjoying each other's company." Please keep Dave and the rest of the keeper staff in your thoughts. They are dedicated, caring professionals for whom love is a tool of the trade. And grief comes with the territory. Goodbye, Charlie. __________________ http://www.portlandspirit.com/deadhusband.php
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09-17-2009, 09:13 PM	#2
Snowflake lost in the fog Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Francisco Posts: 7,831	Goodnight Charlie. Dr. Goodall, one of my heros of all time. I met her once, thrilling.
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09-30-2009, 05:45 PM	#6
Tref Not Tref Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 2,188	Good night sweet prince. __________________ Tref3.0 Listen in aural 3-D to Pop's muzak! (New songs added semi-bi-daily) j & j Did you know that Emas eht yltcaxe is exactly the same spelled backwards?!
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