PR practice

MIDLAND ZOO MOURNS THE LOSS OF HOMER THE POLAR BEAR

The Midland Zoo is sad to announce the death of our oldest polar bear, Homer.

Homer passed away early this morning at the age of 16.

Two other polar bears, 9-year-old Yukon and 10-year-old McKenzie, are safe but were removed from the exhibit and are being monitored by veterinary staff. 

"Homer was a very curious and playful polar bear and we will miss him terribly," said zookeeper Sara N. Getty.

The zoo is still investigating the exact cause of death.

THREE ANIMALS DIE AT MIDLAND ZOO IN TWO WEEKS

A 16-year-old polar bear became the third animal in two weeks to die at the Midland Zoo after he was found dead in his exhibit this morning.

Homer the polar bear was found floating in his exhibit at 7 a.m., an hour after his feeding. 

"The zoo will perform a necropsy to try to determine the cause of death. The results will not be available for several weeks," said senior staff veterinarian Shanda Lear. 

A 10-year-old bobcat named Regina died of renal failure last week, and two weeks ago a 6-year-old giraffe named Kenya died from a broken neck after her horns got caught in her stall.

Zoo director Chris P. Bacon confirmed the three deaths, but said they are unrelated.