Comments on: Josephine’s Heart Condition

By: Chari Mercier

Chari Mercier — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 21:57:40 +0000

Hi, you guys! I had to find the most recent update about Josephine on the list of blogs, and found this one from 6/7/2007 to write to you. I just read about what happened to Josephine, your beloved, successful painting artist orangutan, and I was really sad to read about her passing away. I did read about her heart condition and the procedured that the vets have done over the last year to keep her going, comfortable, and have a decent quality of life. Heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure, are very hard to treat and manage even for us humans, so I know that the vets have had a lot to deal with to make sure that Josephine was as healthy as they can keep her during the last year of her life. I’m pretty sure that the rest of the orang and siamang community miss her in their own ways and are making the best of their loss. She was the grand dame and matriarch of all of them! My condolences and sympathies to all of the keepers and staff that have worked with her, and had a lot of fun with her over the years, especially when Josephine started showing off her painting talent. I know that you all will greatly miss her, but I also know that she’s in a better place just enjoying life as God intended for her to do! Josephine was a very lucky, blessed orangutan to be with all of you for the last 14 years of her life! You all have done a great job with her! Now, just remember the great times that she gave you all and everyone that came to SDZ to see her and her painting exhibitions.
In my prayers,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 21:54:13 +0000

Sweet, sweet, sweet… I can just imagine little Cinta greeting grandma with a big hug. I’m so happy that she is feeling better – and that all of her family and friends are showing her how much they love her! Great story – thanks for sharing – and thanks for taking such great care of her. She’s one lucky lady!

By: Margaret

Margaret — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 15:39:37 +0000

Josephine is a special animal, and has extraordinary caregivers. She is blessed to be in a premier zoo with outstanding veterinary care. Her Orangatang family and fans are thankful she was able to be helped and is now back to her old self again. May she have many bright years ahead with family, fans, and keepers able to appreciate her and the medical staff continue to learn from her and able to help her.

By: barbara

barbara — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 13:48:57 +0000

I don’t think that Josehpine would have stood a chance if it weren’t for the observent caring staff at the SDZ. to all the keepers and medical personnel who have allowed us to have josephine back to her old self a big Thank You. I am sure she is in the most caring and loving hands God Bless you

By: Cuquis

Cuquis — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 06:37:31 +0000

I saw Josie this last Saturday June 2nd, she was playing with Janey and didn’t seem that anything was wrong with her.. I hope she recovers completely, she’s a beautiful lady orangutan.

By: Shirley Sykes

Shirley Sykes — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 01:00:52 +0000

Thank you, Kim, for the information. I dearly love Josephine, and do hope she will continue to improve. Her troop’s response to her return was very moving. Orangs are beautiful people!!