Midland zoo suffers after loss of beloved Polar Bear Homer. Homer was found dead floating in his enclosure around 7a.m. this morning. The 16-year-old polar bear was found by zookeeper Sara N. Letty, who says, “Homer was a very playful and curious polar bear and we will miss him terribly.” After discovery of Homer’s tragic passing, it was declared that both of the other polar bears, 9-year-old male Yukon and 10-year-old female McKenzie, were removed from the exhibit and are currently being closely monitored by staff.
Head Veterinarian, Doctor Shanda Lear states, “The zoo will preform a necropsy to try to determine the cause of death. The results will not be available for several weeks. ” While under further investigation, Zoo Director Chris P. Bacon, claims, “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.”
There has been a long history of polar bears here at the zoo. In fact, since 1985 the unique exhibit has offered the bears to engage in natural behaviors, playing in manufactured snow, digging in gravel and hunting trout in the chilled pool. The bears have always been ambassadors for their wild relatives, educating zoo visitors about these threatened animals.