PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Duchess, the Phoenix Zoo's orangutan matriarch and perennial staple at the zoo since its founding, may not have long to live.
The 52-year-old primate was diagnosed with lymphosarcoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, a week ago after her keepers noticed a rapid decrease in her appetite, a growing lethargy and atypical behavior.
The staff brought her in for a medical exam, and an ultrasound revealed a mass in her abdomen and enlarged lymph nodes, according to Gary West, executive vice president in charge of animal health and care at the zoo.
West characterized the cancer as "fairly aggressive" and guessed Duchess could have only weeks left.
"We don't think it's a long-term course," he said.
Treatment options are limited because Duchess has to be a willing participant in her care, he said.
"We obviously can't force her to take medicine," West said, adding it's the same for chemotherapy as well.
He said the next best option is for zookeepers to make her as comfortable as possible and stimulate her appetite. However, the zoo is speaking with oncologists about other treatment options.
Duchess has been at the zoo since 1962. She is the oldest living Bornean orangutan in North America.
She had seven offspring -- several of whom she has outlived -- six grandchildren and a great-grandchild who live at various zoos around the country. A daughter, Bess, and granddaughter, Kasih, live with her.
The average lifespan of an orangutan in the wild is 30-plus years, with captive ones living 40-plus years, West said.
Duchess' 50th birthday in 2010 was marked by presents, an ice "cake" to lick, a card signed by zoo guests and a chorus of "Happy Birthday" sung by zoo visitors. The zoo also celebrated the occasion by breaking ground on a nearly $4 million orangutan exhibit for Duchess and three other orangutans. The exhibit opened in March 2011.
Bob Keesecker, a senior keeper at the zoo, has worked with Duchess for eight years. He said Duchess and the other orangutans are like family to him.
"I spend more time with them in a day, in a week, in a month than I do with any human in my life," he said.
Keesecker said he values the relationship he and Duchess have forged. Over the years, he has learned the little things about her, like how she enjoys making her own bed and prefers her cucumbers peeled and carrots cooked.
"I like to think she enhanced my life more than I did hers," Keesecker said.
Denise Wagner, another senior keeper, said she had less interaction with Duchess because the orangutan was notoriously tough on female keepers. Still, she said, the news about her cancer was devastating, and the worst part of a zookeeper's job is having to say goodbye to an animal.
The blow has been softened because Duchess lived well past the average life expectancy and she was able to see the new home the zoo built for her and her family, Wagner said.
"I take solace in the fact she's 52 and not 25," Wagner said.
KNPX