Betsy, Fresno zoo's grizzly, dies at age 38

Details

Published on 08/16/2013 - 9:06 am

Written by Business Journal staff

Betsy, Fresno Chaffee Zoo's brown bear, was euthanized Friday morning due to declining health from old age.One of Fresno Chaffee Zoo's oldest residents, Betsy the grizzly bear, was euthanized this morning at the advanced age of 38.

Betsy came to Fresno from the Los Angeles Zoo with a litter mate named Ross in 1976 — a pair of cubs with names celebrating Betsy Ross, purported maker of the first American flag, on the bicentennial.

Betsy recently began to show declining health due to age-related issues. She was the oldest living female brown bear in an accredited Association of Zoos and Aquariums facility, out of hundreds of institutions.

"Betsy was a favorite and much loved part of Fressno Chaffee Zoo, both by our community and staff. We are devastated at her passing and will miss her greatly," said Assistant Curator Lyn Myers, in a statement.