World's oldest polar bear dies at zoo

Bear was no longer able to stand, zoo
said

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The Indianapolis Zoo said theoldest living polar bear known to scientists was put down Wednesday after a health condition prevented the
35-year-old bear from being able to stand up.
A press release from the zoo said veterinarians decided to humanely euthanize Tahtsa to prevent pain and suffering. The zoo said a neurological problem is suspected, but details will not be known until later when a necropsy (the animal version of an autopsy) is completed.
Zoo officials said Tahtsa was in the polar bear habitat on Tuesday having the time of her life.

"She was swimming in the pool on exhibit, swimming in front of the windows back and forth and just behaving normally," said Marine Mammals Manager Tom Granberry.

But on Wednesday morning, veterinarians found her struggling.

"She was unable to stand up. So we assessed her condition and, after consulting with the vets, decided that she needed to be euthanized," Granberry said.

In the wild, polar bears typically live up to 20 years, Granberry said.Tundra, a 23-year-old polar bear, now occupies the habitat. Zoo officials said she should not be affected by the loss.

Tahtsa was on loan from the Louisville Zoo were she lived since 1976 until she was moved to the Indianapolis Zoo in October of 2006.