Debby arrived in Winnipeg as a cub back in 1967, and more than 18 million visitors have come to see her.
Updated Mon. Nov. 17 2008 8:48 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
Winnipeg zoo officials euthanized the oldest living polar bear on Monday, after a clinical exam found Debby was suffering from multiple organ failure.
At 42 years old, Debby doubled the life expectancy of the average polar bear. Officials said her health had been declining for several months.
They said she spent her last moments surrounded by 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. The pair produced six surviving offspring.
When she turned 41, Debby 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 zoo is inviting the public to celebrate Debby's life at a ceremony at the zoo's Animal Tracks Café from Noon to 1:00 p.m. local time on Saturday, Nov. 22.
