22.11.2024 by Mervi, Photos by Hans Muskens and Anders Björklund
Today we received the sad news of Wilbär’s passing. I’m totally devastated but I try to remember all the good times we had with him. It’s hard to loose one of ‘my’ polar bears. I met him many times in Orsa and he always was so lovable.
Wilbär was born on the 10th of December 2007 in Wilhelma, Stuttgart. His parents were Corinna and Anton.
On the 15th of May 2009 he came to Orsa. After the greedy owners of the Wildlife Park there Wilbär moved to the Eindhove Zoo on the 12 of March 2022.
Wilbär was a playful and happy polar bear in Orsa where the Winters were cold and snowy.
In Orsa Wilbär lived first with Ewa and later even with Hope. He was father of three cubs – Miki, Nanook and Noori.
Wilbär and Ewa were happy together.
Ewa with Miki. Sadly Miki died immediately after arriving to Jimmy’s Farm where Ewa still lives.
These two photos of Wilbär and Ewa were taken by me during one of our visits in Orsa in the Summer time.
Information from the Eindhoven Zoo (with some latest photos of Wilbär by Hans Muskens):
It is with sadness that we share the news that Wilbär the polar bear has passed away. Wilbär, the 16-year-old adult male, underwent emergency surgery last weekend due to a worsening of an existing navel fracture. Although the operation seemed successful, he did not recover as he had hoped. He showed signs of severe abdominal pain, refused to eat or drink and worsened his circulation.
The vet and the animal carers worked hard for several days to help him get back on his feet, but unfortunately this did not help. In the end, in consultation with the vet, we had to make the difficult decision to euthanise him and prevent further suffering.
Wilbär came to Eindhoven Zoo in 2022 as part of the European management programme. European zoos are committed to creating a healthy reserve population as the species in the wild is threatened with extinction. Together with female polar bear Frimas, he brought young Otis into the world, a valuable contribution to the conservation of the species.
Wilbär’s death has had a profound impact, especially on the carers who looked after him with love every day.
DEAR WILBÄR! You’re now walking on the eternal ice in the polar bear heaven together with your daughter Miki. That’s what I want to believe.
Be the first to comment