• Reid Park Zoo

DJ the mandrill, a 21-year resident of the Reid Park Zoo, born there in August of 1991, has died. He was euthanized by zoo staff yesterday, after they determined that it was "clear he would no longer have a reasonable quality of life." Despite numerous health issues over the years, DJ's lifespan actually exceeded that of the average mandrill—a testament both to his hardiness and the work of the Reid Park staffers.

In honor of DJ's passing, we've decided to include the timeless Sarah McLachlan song "Angel" in today's post in his memory. May you be as colorful in the hereafter as you were on earth, DJ.

Read the Reid Park Zoo release announcing DJ's death below the jump.

If you're looking to add a little something (or someone) special to your family this weekend during your shopping adventures, consider heading out to Pima Animal Care, where they're offering a special $10 adoption fee for all animals, which includes microchips, sterilization and vaccination.

According to PAC, licensing for dogs older than three months of age is $15, so the most that adoption of any animal will cost is $25.

The special lasts from today, Nov. 23, to Sunday, Nov. 25. Visit Pima Animal Care at www.pimaanimalcare.org.

Celebrated singer-songwriter and one-time occupant of a jail cell in Texas Fiona Apple has postponed her South American tour to care for her dying dog. She let fans know by posting a long, hand-written letter—which she then helpfully transcribed for everyone. Here it is, in part:

It's 6pm on Friday,and I'm writing to a few thousand friends I have not met yet.
I am writing to ask them to change our plans and meet a little while later.
Here's the thing.
I have a dog Janet, and she's been ill for almost two years now, as a tumor has been idling in her chest, growing ever so slowly. She's almost 14 years old now.I got her when she was 4 months old. I was 21 then ,an adult officially - and she was my child.
She is a pitbull, and was found in Echo Park, with a rope around her neck, and bites all over her ears and face.
She was the one the dogfighters use to puff up the confidence of the contenders.
She's almost 14 and I've never seen her start a fight ,or bite, or even growl, so I can understand why they chose her for that awful role. She's a pacifist.
Janet has been the most consistent relationship of my adult life, and that is just a fact.

...

I can't come to South America. Not now.
When I got back from the last leg of the US tour, there was a big, big difference.
She doesn't even want to go for walks anymore.
I know that she's not sad about aging or dying. Animals have a survival instinct, but a sense of mortality and vanity, they do not. That’s why they are so much more present than people.
But I know that she is coming close to point where she will stop being a dog, and instead, be part of everything. She’ll be in the wind, and in the soil, and the snow, and in me, wherever I go.
I just can't leave her now, please understand.
If I go away again, I’m afraid she'll die and I won't have the honor of singing her to sleep, of escorting her out.

It just gets more heartbreaking from there, to be honest—but it's worth the time, and strikes a chord with anyone who has every loved (and lost) anything that deeply.

Find her letter here.

Saturday, Oct. 27 is National Pit Bull Awareness Day, where groups of pit bull lovers and fans around the country have vowed to come together to celebrate and support the breed.

A group of Tucsonans will be celebrating the day with an invitation-only screening of Guilty 'Til Proven Innocent, an Ohio-based documentary film focusing on the creation of breed-restrictive laws targeting pit bulls and similar dog breeds. That will be taking place at the Loft Cinema, starting at 10 a.m. For an invitation to the screening, which I have been told by organizers was put in place to preserve the film's ability to be screened as a debut at film festivals, send inquiries to [email protected].

Alternately, Lincoln Park, 4325 S. Pantano Road, is set to host the Walk for Victims of Pit Bulls and Other Dangerous Dogs, which is set to begin at noon and end at 7 p.m. that evening. The walk is dedicated to raising awareness and support for victims of attacks by pit bulls and "other violent breeds."

This is from walkforvictimsofpitbulls.blogspot.com (Warning: The site features graphic images of people and children who were attacked by dogs):

Please come and join us, and show your support by walking for the VICTIMS of pit bull and other dangerous dog attacks. Most often when these dogs attack, maul or kill children, adults or family pets, the support seems to be misplaced onto the attacking dog/s to be euthanized, rather than where it should be...on the VICTIM. It is time that the voice of the VICTIMS and their families be heard to promote public awareness and help reduce the number of these attacks.

Caps Lock abuse aside, this event is notable if only for the fact that the site for the walk has made it explicitly clear that dogs are absolutely unwelcome at the event. Also from walkforvictimsofpitbulls.blogspot.com:

Please leave your dogs at home while joining us to walk for victims. This is most importantly for the safety of the walkers and for the safety of your dogs.

DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT THE WALK

Tucson Police Officers WILL BE present at the Walk to ensure safety, and Animal Control will be called to escort any unruly visitors off the property and confiscate any unruly Pit Bulls or Other Dangerous Dogs.

We have rented ramadas in the park and reserve the RIGHT to refuse entrance to unruly visitors and DOGS within our "Exclusive Area."

It doesn't appear that there will be much conflict between the two groups, but it's interesting to note (and likely no accident) that both events will be occurring on the same day.

Thanks to ABC News, we now have a list of 20 top Internet cat videos.

Here's one for you kitten fans out there. It only has 65.6 million views as of this writing. Go figure.

This is why booze and rare birds don't mix.

Two University of California-Berkley law students were arrested in Las Vegas last Friday for allegedly decapitating an exotic bird inside the wildlife refuge at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino.

Eric Cuellar, 24, and Justin Teixeira, 24, have been charged with — I didn't know there was such a specific charge, but then again, it is Vegas — the willful, malicious torture or killing of wildlife, according to the Las Vegas Sun. That's a felony, boys and girls.

The two self-professed law students were seen chasing a "14-year-old helmeted guinea fowl" into a tree-covered area of the Flamingo's courtyard, which hotel guests and anyone randomly coming in off the street can stroll through. Though not seen on surveillance video, a witness allegedly saw the two men walk out of the trees carrying the bird's body, and it's severed head.

I no longer feel that bad at all about any of the ridiculous things I've ended up doing in Vegas.

Teddy - #734723 — 1.5 Years Old — Lab/Mastiff Mix — Male

“Can I be your Teddy Bear?” When the other dogs ganged up on him and attacked, Teddy was surrendered to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. This calm, passive boy is still pretty shaken up but craves companionship every minute of the day. He just needs some reassurance to help ease back into his comfort zone. Despite his ordeal, Teddy absolutely loves other respectful dogs. He also enjoys chasing moths, taking long naps and getting tummy rubs from kids (They know all the good spots!). Teddy just wants to be someone’s pampered, super-sized lap dog. Don’t you have a place in your heart and home for a big love muffin like Teddy?

Watch Teddy in the video cut below!

Come meet Teddy, who is currently living at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. The Humane Society is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The phone number is 327-6088.

Gordon - #731111 — 1.5 Years Old — Shar Pei Mix — Male

Meet Mr. Cool! Gordon is a suave Shar Pei mix who is feeling at the top of his game now that he has a bright future ahead of him. Found as a hot and hungry stray, Gordon was rescued by a kind commuter and delivered to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona for a second chance. Although his past remains a mystery, Gordon loves playing with people and other dogs. He would make an excellent addition to an active family and picks up on training fast. Let Gordon charm you today. You won’t regret it!

Watch Gordon in the video below:

Come meet Gordon! He is currently living at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. The Humane Society is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The phone number is 327-6088.

Fred - #735019 — 28 Years Old — Moluccan Cockatoo — Male

This is Fred, a boisterous bird with personality galore. Surrendered when he started attacking the young children in the family, Fred is now in need of an avian-experienced owner prepared to commit to a lifetime of patience, love and care. Although he’s a little standoffish at first, Fred bonds closely with people who take the time to earn his trust. Offer him a gentle head rub and Fred will waltz over to you with his head down, his beak softly clacking and his gorgeous pink feathers all fluffed up. Whoever ends up with this guy will have a real sweetheart, but they may also have to invest in a lot of earplugs! A typical cockatoo, Fred requires plenty of daily attention and enrichment. But he’s is gaga for toys, cardboard boxes, popcorn and vegetables. If you are interested in sharing your life with this intelligent, animated and special companion and are aware of the serious responsibility, please visit Fred today at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.

Come meet Fred at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. The Humane Society is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The phone number is 327-6088.

Brutus - #721866 — 4 Years Old — Shepherd Mix — Male

Brutus knows how to make a memorable first impression. Unrivaled in his huggability, Brutus loves nothing more than being close to you and will follow you around with baby eyes until you kneel down and give him a squeeze. Found wandering the streets in Globe, Brutus was picked up by a kind-hearted couple who searched everywhere for his owner. But no luck. During his 2-week stay, Brutus was an appreciative gentleman who enjoyed snuggling, napping and going for walks. Brutus' new friends wanted him to find a better life and delivered him to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona for a second chance. That was back in March and since then Brutus has proven to be an outstanding companion. He’s house trained and fantastic with people of all ages. However, he would prefer to be your only pet. But don’t worry — Brutus has plenty of love to go around for a lifetime. Come see why this special boy is an absolute favorite among staff and volunteers at the HSSA. Brutus promises to make the best sidekick in the whole world!

Come meet Brutus! He's currently living at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. The Humane Society is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The phone number is 327-6088.

See Brutus in video form below the cut: