Debby the polar bear, one of the world's most-famous and loved bears, was euthanized at the Assiniboine Park Zoo Monday.
Zoo officials say Debby's medical condition has been gradually declining for several months, but that she remained active and alert until Monday, when a clinical exam indicated multiple organ failure.
They say she spent her last moments surrounded by her caring zoo-keepers and veterinarians.
Born in the Russian Arctic in 1966, and arriving at the Assiniboine Park Zoo as an orphaned cub in 1967, Debby spent most of her life with her mate Skipper, with whom she produced six surviving offspring.
When Debby was 41-years-old, she was entered into the 2008 Guinness Book of Records as the oldest living polar bear. At 42 she was within the top three longevity record-holders for all eight species of bears.
"Debby played a dominant role in the Winnipeg Zoo's animal family for over four decades, generating great public appeal and important contributions to the Zoo's interpretive programs," said the zoo in a press release. "She epitomized what one orphaned animal can achieve in promoting the conservation of her species and other wildlife in light of mounting ecological and environmental challenges like global warming."
Dr. Gordon Glover, Assiniboine Park Zoo's coordinator, recalled Debby's ability to "strike magnificent and charming poses," which resulted in her being featured in many photos and films. "She will be missed by millions of Zoo visitors," said Glover.
The public is invited to celebrate Debby's remarkable life at a ceremony to be held in the Zoo's Animal Tracks Caf� from Noon to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2008.
