Tundra, the beloved polar bear who lived in the Bronx Zoo was euthanized earlier this week because officials said the 26-year-old male bear was suffering from acute kidney failure.
Tundra was New York City’s only polar bear and was born in the zoo in 19991. He was euthanized two days before Christmas.
The Wildlife Conservation Society made the announcement on Wednesday in a statement saying that Tundra had chronic kidney disease and progressive arthritis that worsened despite treatment.
The median life expectancy for male polar bears in zoos is under 21.
Zoo director Jim Breheny says Tundra didn’t show his age and was an important ambassador for his species.
He remained extremely active and playful until just before his death.”
Tundra became the city’s sole polar bear when 27-year-old Gus was euthanized at the Central Park Zoo in 2013.
The WCS said the Bronx Zoo has no plans to bring in another polar bear.
