The US’s oldest captive polar bear is being euthanized

After finding it terminally ill, the oldest American polar bear captive has been killed.

Berlin, 33, succumbed to kidney failure after receiving treatment at the Kansas City Zoo for systemic hypertension.

It was born December 11, 1989, one month after the fall the Berlin Wall. According to the zoo, it was the largest captive bear in America and possibly North America.

Thursday’s statement stated that the zoo officials had exhausted all options for Berlin before euthanizing her.

Berlin’s condition deteriorated rapidly yesterday morning. It was determined that there were no other medical options. The organization said that Berlin was surrounded and cared for by her caregivers.

“Berlin will be greatly missed by its zoo family, including staff, volunteers, and guests.”

The polar bear was born at Cincinnati Zoo and was transferred to the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth (Minnesota) when she was just one year old. She escaped her enclosure in 2012 when her habitat was submerged and swam to safety on a rock. Berlin was also a resident at the Como Zoo. She moved to the Kansas City Zoo the following year.

She was known for being playful.

“Berlin is a beloved ambassador of her species and has helped to contribute to research which has benefited wild populations of polar bears,” stated the Kansas City Zoo.

Her animal care professionals praised her big personality and called her “smart” and “sassy”. They also said that she gave all her caregivers “a run to their money!” “

According to the Kansas City Foundation, Berlin has exceeded the average life expectancy for polar bears at zoos (23.4 years). According to Polar Bears International, polar bears live for 15-18 years in the wild.

The Kansas City Zoo announced that it will contribute its annual conservation fund to Polar Bears International in honor of Berlin.