Homer, the zoo’s oldest Polar bear, has passed away this morning inside the polar bear exhibit.

Homer was a Polar Bear who, according to zookeeper Sara N. Getty, was the zoo’s “very curious and playful Polar Bear” and had passed an hour after it’s feeding. The other two polar bears, Yukon and Mckenzie, have been taken away from the exhibit while the investigation is going on regarding the cause of Homer’s death.

Since 1895, Polar Bears have thrived at the zoo due to the unique and engaging exhibits. These exhibits have allowed the Polar Bears to engage in natural behaviors such as digging, hunting, and playing in their pool.

According to senior staff veterinarian Shanda Lear, “the results will not be available for several weeks”.