Midland Zoo staff mourn the death of the polar bear Homer.

Homer passed away around 7 am this morning and was found by a zookeeper, Sara N. Getty. Getty said the other two polar bears, Yukon and McKenzie, have been removed from the exhibit and are being examined by veterinary staff.

Zoo Director, Chris P. Bacon, says the incident will be investigated to determine the exact cause of 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,” says Bacon.

Dr. Shanda Lear, the senior staff veterinarian, reported that a female bobcat and giraffe had also passed in the last couple of weeks. Bacon confirmed the two other deaths but the deaths are unrelated.

“Homer was a very curious and playful polar bear and we will miss him terribly,” says Getty, remembering Homer.