Homer, the oldest polar bear at Midland zoo. Was found dead this morning after his feeding. The cause of death is unknown and is currently being investigated.

Midland Zoo director Chris Bacon stated, “We will do everything in our power to determine how this bear died.”

Zookeeper Sara Getty talked about how upsetting the incident was stating, “Homer was a very curious and playful polar bear and we will miss him terribly.”

Polar bears have always been a bright spot for the zoo. Midland has made the enclosures as close to home as possible to allow the bears to engage in natural behaviors. They get to play in the snow, dig in the gravel, and even hunt for trout. Their exhibit also gives them an opportunity to educate the public about them.

Senior staff vet Shanda Lear said, “The zoo will perform a necropsy to try to determine the cause of death.” She made it clear that they would have to wait several weeks before the results came back.