Homer, a sixteen year old polar bear, passed away this morning at Midland Zoo.

The two other polar bears that shared Homer’s exhibit have been removed and are being monitored by veterinary staff. Zookeeper Sara Getty found Homer this morning and said, “Homer was a very curious and playful polar bear and we will miss him terribly.”

Polar bears have thrived at Midland Zoo since 1995. The exhibit allows them to fall into their natural behaviors, which include playing in the snow and hunting in the pool. The bears and exhibit also help educate zoo visitors about the threatened species.

Chris P. Bacon, Midland Zoo Director, said, “We will do everything in our power to determine how this bear died. Animal welfare and the preservation of species are our primary goals here at the zoo.”

The zoo will complete a necropsy to determine the cause of Homer’s death, and the results will be available in the weeks to come.