One Of Denver’s Beloved Twin Polar Bears Passes Away In Arizona Zoo

Back in 1994 the arrival of  Klondike & Snow, two polar bears born at the Denver Zoo, was a huge deal. They captured the hearts of Zoo visitors and were featured on just about every Colorado media outlet multiple times. Both bears were moved to Sea World in Orlando, but due to some chronic health issues Snow ended up at the Reid Park Zoo in Arizona.

Sadly, that Zoo announced  yesterday that the 17-year-old Snow passed away in her sleep.

Yesterday on their Facebook page, the Reid Zoo posted this:

We are very sad to announce that “Snow,” the Zoo’s 17 year-old polar bear, has died unexpectedly. She was discovered first thing this morning by her Zoo Keeper. She was in her normal sleeping position and location, with no signs of trauma.

The Zoo’s veterinarian indicated that although she had chronic health issues, she was improving. She was swimming and eating well yesterday. We are proud of everything the Zoo staff did to provide Snow with a wonderful quality of life in Tucson. She will be missed.

According to Polar Bears International wild polar bears only live 15-18 years, but in captivity usually live into their 30's.

Goodbye Snow. We'll miss you, thanks for the memories!

Klondike is still living happily in Florida and the Denver Zoo’s current pair of adult polar bears, Lee and Cranberry, have been designated a “breeding pair.” (And they helped Derek propose to his girlfriend a few weeks ago!)