Danvers Endicott Park Celebrates Memory Of 'Queen Bee' Greta Girl

DANVERS, MA — Endicott Park friends and visitors were asked to share their favorite photos and memories of "Queen Bee" Greta this week after park staff announced that the 33-year-old "matriarch" of the barn passed amid worsening health conditions.

"While the public knew her as a calm, sweet, gentle soul, she ruled over this place, the rangers, and her fellow barnyard 'subjects' with a firm but fair hoof," Endicott staff said in a statement on social media. "We are all feeling her absence today."

Staff said Greta was healthy for the vast majority of her life but had developed serious health conditions in recent months. With those likely to only worsen, the decision was made to ease her suffering.

"As hard as it is for us to love these animals and lose them, we consider it a blessing to have them in our lives and under our care for however long we are given with them," the post said. "Endicott Park is the perfect place where old animals, who otherwise would have a hard time finding a home, can live out their golden years surrounded by thousands of people who shower them with love, under the watchful eyes of the natural resources team and our wonderfully compassionate veterinarians."

Staff thanked all those who donated to the Friends of Endicott Park, which goes toward veterinary bills, specialty food and providing high-quality care to the animals.

"We are so grateful for all of you," the staff said. "Gathered around her in the barn (Tuesday) night, we chuckled quietly through the tears when one of the rangers said, 'Greta… Jake is going to be SO excited to see you when you get there… you have to be nice to him.'

"Until we meet again, Greta Girl."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)