ANIMALS
Polar Bear, the Best Boy, Passes Away at Nearly 20 Years Old
Unfortunate news from the North Carolina Zoo as they grieve the passing of their dear polar bear, Payton. The male polar bear passed away while being moved to another zoo, the Louisville Zoo, for a polar bear breeding partnership.
The zoo’s animal care team is saddened by the loss of Payton, who had been with them since January 2021. This move was suggested by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and a skilled care team accompanied Payton during the transfer.
On the way to the Louisville Zoo, the care team regularly checked on Payton. Unfortunately, just two hours from the destination, they found him unresponsive. They hurried him to a nearby large animal veterinarian, where he was confirmed dead.
A necropsy showed some signs of heart disease, a tumor on his adrenal gland, and moderate osteoarthritis due to his advanced age. Further testing will be done to figure out the exact cause of his death.
Payton’s zoo journey began at the Brookfield Zoo, where he was born on November 8, 2003. He also spent time at the Memphis Zoo before coming to the North Carolina Zoo.
His caretakers have warm memories of him, and one of the polar bear keepers, Melissa Vindigni, shared, “He was the best boy bear, and it was a privilege and honor to have earned his trust.”
A thorough investigation will be conducted to find out more about how Payton passed away, as zoo officials aim to understand the circumstances of this unfortunate event.
The North Carolina Zoo stated that they did “routine checks” during the journey, but they didn’t give specific details.
Upon hearing the news, WLKY contacted the Louisville Zoo, which offered condolences for the passing of Payton, the polar bear. The Louisville Zoo expressed sympathy to its colleagues at the North Carolina Zoo, recognizing the sadness of losing such a beloved animal. The Louisville Zoo stands in solidarity with the North Carolina Zoo during this difficult time.
It’s important to mention that the Louisville Zoo currently has only one polar bear, a 12-year-old female named Qannik. Rescued from Alaska’s North Slope, her presence highlights the ongoing efforts to protect and conserve polar bears globally.