 4/10 Good --- www.mpnnow.com http://www.mpnnow.com/news/rss
Wednesday, September 03, 2008 --- 75 days ago http://www.mpnnow.com/news/x1001330402/Zoo-mourns-the-death-of-its-male-polar-be
 Yukon, one of two polar bears at Monroe County’s Seneca Park Zoo, died late last week, apparently from an infection related to pancreatitis. Yukon, an 18-year-old male, passed away in his sleep Sunday, Aug. 31, three hours after being examined by veterinary staff. “The provisional necropsy (the veterinary term for autopsy) findings show that Yukon had an abdominal cavity infection related to pancreatitis,” said Dr. Jeff Wyatt, the zoo’s director of animal health and conservation. “A definitive diagnosis will be made after reviewing additional laboratory tests available within six weeks.” Wyatt said Yukon, who has fathered four cubs with the zoo’s female polar bear, Aurora, first appeared ill last Thursday, Aug. 28, at which time treatments were started. Zoo Director Larry Sorel said those treatments included pain killers and mineral oil, but that Yukon had “no interest” in the latter and did not respond to treatment. “Any death is difficult for us at the zoo but we know we provided Yukon with the best possible care,” Sorel said. “Yukon was one of our long-term residents and enjoyed a great quality of life ... which is certainly a testament to our excellent polar bear program.” In that vain, Yukon’s mate, Aurora, may be expecting, Sorel said Tuesday. “There’s no reliable early pregnancy test or other way of telling with a 600 pound animal,” Sorel said, “but during the breeding season, we did what we were supposed to do.” Sorel sai ... |
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