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SeaWorld Polar Bear Dies After Being Separated From Her Companion

SeaWorld Polar Bear Dies After Being Separated From Her Companion

So sad.

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

A polar bear at San Diego SeaWorld is said to have died 'of a broken heart' after being separated from her companion who was sent away to take part in a breeding programme.

Szenja, 21, was found dead by keepers yesterday after being lethargic and off her food for several days. Her companion was a female called Snowflake, the only other polar bear at San Diego's SeaWorld, she was sent to Pittsburgh zoo at the end of February.

The two had lived in the same enclosure since 1997, when the park opened.

This wasn't the first time Snowflake had been sent away for a breeding programme, but the previous time had seen Szenja go with her.

Tracy Remain, PETA's executive vice president, told NBC San Diego that Szenja died of a broken heart. She said: "After losing her companion of 20 years when SeaWorld shipped Snowflake to the Pittsburgh Zoo in order to breed more miserable polar bears, Szenja did what anyone would do when they lose all hope, she gave up.

"This should be a wake-up call to SeaWorld: Stop breeding and shipping animals around, close the animal exhibits, and retire the animals to sanctuaries.

"Until it does, this ship will keep sinking."

A spokesperson from SeaWorld said that Szenja was being monitored by staff after they noticed a change in her behaviour, but added that her death was a shock.

In response to PETA's statement, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment released its own statement, which said: "We, and other accredited and world-class zoological facilities, remain focused on our important mission of animal conservation and public education and inspiration. We will not be distracted by organisations with a clear anti-zoo agenda creating false narratives not grounded in any scientific fact.

"It is well documented that adult polar bears are typically solitary animals, and Szenja was continually cared for and enriched by her dedicated and passionate animal care team. She did not demonstrate any adverse behavioural changes following Snowflake's transport to the Pittsburgh Zoo in February as part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding visit.

"Unlike wild polar bears facing habitat loss, human encroachment and limited food sources, Szenja lived a long and enriching life at SeaWorld with the passionate and uncompromising care provided to her by her loving trainers, and made a positive impact on tens of millions of park guests that had the chance to see her over the past 20 years."

Al Garver, SeaWorld San Diego's vice president, said: "Szenja was a beloved member of our animal family, so this is a very difficult day for all of us.

"Szenja not only touched the hearts of those who have cared for her over the last two decades, but also the millions of guests who had the chance to see her in person.

"We're proud to have been a part of her life and to know that she inspired people from around the world to want to protect polar bears in the wild."

SeaWorld added: "The SSP is a national program developed to help ensure the survival of selected species in zoos and aquariums, most of which are threatened or endangered in the wild. The polar bear population in the wild is continuing to dwindle. Since 2008, the polar bear has been listed as "threatened" on the Endangered Species List. The knowledge gained from breeding visits like this also help researchers, scientists and veterinarians learn more about how to save polar bears in the wild. It is our hope the Snowflake will become pregnant while at the Pittsburgh Zoo. We will do whatever we can to ensure the survival of this important species.

"The Pittsburgh Zoo is an excellent zoological facility with a state-of-the-art polar bear exhibit, and has received the American Humane Association's Humane Conservation certification as an assurance of the highest standards of welfare and humane treatment of animals in their care."

Her body has been sent for an autopsy and the results are expected in several weeks.

Szenja had been at the park for almost 20 years. She previously lived at Wuppertal Zoo, Germany before being moved to SeaWorld in 1997 for the Wild Arctic exhibit.

In the wild, polar bears usually live for between 15 and 18 years, but can live for 20 or 30 years. The oldest polar to live in the wild was 32. In captivity, one lived for 45 years.

Featured Image Credit: SeaWorld