Betty Burge

Betty Lou Burge, 79, passed away peacefully in Las Vegas on August 8, 2011. She was born February 9, 1932 in Newark, New Jersey, and spent her early years in the East and South. A wildlife biologist by profession, Betty’s accomplishments reveal a much broader variety of talents. She received degrees in nursing, music, and biology. As Curator of the Youth Science Institute in Alum Rock Park in San Jose, California, she was instrumental in fulfilling their mission of inspiring enthusiasm for science and a love of learning. She introduced children to ecological principles long before they became mainstream, and she would expand formative minds into asking fundamental questions in science. In mid life, Betty moved to Las Vegas to pursue a Master’s degree in zoology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Choosing the desert tortoise as her thesis topic “because of the dearth of information,” began an era of dedication and passion. Betty was a tireless advocate for both wild and pet desert tortoises. Her field studies in the deserts of Nevada, California, Arizona, and Utah are some of the first and still often quoted. She was a significant contributor to the several Conservation Plans developed by Clark County. Begun in 1981, Tortoise Group stands as her crowning achievement. Betty developed standards for pet tortoise care and worked through Tortoise Group to spread that information. People nationwide sought Betty’s advice and expertise. The individual attention she generously poured into each caregiver’s concerns developed relationships spanning tens of years. Hailed as an environmental giant, Betty will be greatly missed for her dedication, knowledge, and passion. Betty is survived by her husband Russell Beck, her son Christopher Shupp, two grandchildren, Daniel and Loren, brother George Child of Nova Scotia, Canada, and sister Nancy Child of London, England. A celebration of Betty’s life will take place on September 10, 3-5 pm at the Springs Preserve (no entrance fee; follow the signs). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tortoise Group.