RIP Homer the Polar Bear
The Midland Zoo sadly puts to rest Homer the polar bear at the age of 16. Homer was found dead in his cage at 7 a.m. this morning by zookeeper Sara N. Getty. She reported later that, “Homer was a very curious and playful polar bear and we will miss him terribly.”
The cause of death is still unknown and will be released to the public as soon as possible. The necropsy of Homer is estimated to take several weeks. Midland Zoo would also like to reassure the public that the recent deaths of a bobcat and giraffe at the zoo is unrelated to Homer’s death.
The polar bear exhibit at Midland Zoo has thrived since 1985 being one of the most unique exhibits at the zoo. The exhibit enables the bears to play in manufactured snow, dig in gravel, and hunt trout in the chilled pool. The exhibit educates zoo visitors about these threatened animals.
The director of the zoo, Chris P. Bacon, voices his opinion on Homer’s death, “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.”