October 23, 2015
Philadelphia Zoo/Facebook
Klondike was born at the Bronx Zoo in 1980 before moving to the Philadelphia Zoo in 1981.
Animal care staff at the Philadelphia Zoo announced Friday that Klondike, the oldest polar bear in the United States, was euthanized at the age of 34 due to a substantial recent decline in her medical condition.
The zoo issued a statement on Facebook confirming the decision after Klondike suffered a noticeable deterioration in her health two weeks ago. She was having significant mobility issues and had recently been treated for a urinary tract infection.
When the treatment did not produce much improvement, the care team decided that the best course would be to humanely euthanize Klondike, who exceeded the typical lifespan for her species by 10 years.
"In addition to the joy she brought our staff and guests over three decades here, she has been an important ambassador to wild polar bears, who are increasingly threatened by climate change and resulting shrinkage of polar ice," said Kevin Murphy, general curator of the Philadelphia Zoo. "We hope she has inspired many to make commitments in their daily lives to reduce energy and water use, which will contribute to efforts to slow climate change."
With the passing of Klondike, another polar bear at the Philadelphia Zoo, 34-year-old Coldilocks, now becomes the oldest polar bear in the U.S.
"We are very sad for this loss—Klondike was a very popular resident at Philadelphia Zoo," Murphy added. "She received great care from her keepers and the veterinary staff during her long and very healthy life here. She will be greatly missed by our staff."
