Press Release from November 19, 2020
Zoo Saddened to Announce Death of Oldest Polar Bear
Zoo Midland is deeply saddened to announce another tragic death. After the deaths of bobcat Regina and giraffe Kenya in the last two weeks, 16-year-old polar bear Homer is the next victim in a series of unfortunate accidents.
Polar bear Homer died an hour after his feeding around 7am in the morning. Sara N. Getty, the zookeeper who found him floating in the pool of the polar bear exhibit said, “Homer was a very curious and playful polar bear and we will miss him terribly.”
Polar bears like Homer have thrived at the zoo since 1985. The unique exhibit of the zoo, allows the bears to engage in natural behaviors, play in manufactured snow or hunt trout in the chilled pool. Homer was an ambassador for his wild relatives, educating zoo visitors about their threatened existence.
“We will do everything in our power to determine how this bear died,” said Chris P. Bacon, zoo director. “Animal welfare and the preservation of species are our primary goals here at the zoo.”
The two other 9 and 10-year-old polar bears Yukon and McKenzie, were removed from their exhibit and are now being monitored by veterinary staff. The zoo is very positive to welcome back the two polar bears real soon.
Contact Information:
Noah Aniser
@nva001@gmail.com