For the Love of a Polar Bear

What it is about animals and North Americans that make for such a wonderful relationship or emotional attachment? In North America each family has an average of two pets. We are capable of loving and making pets out of the grossest animals such as beavers, rodents, iguanas, snakes, frogs etc. Is it because we are so wealthy, not working hard enough as our fore parents, too indulgent? Why is it that we tend to project our humanity on these creatures of the world? I do not believe it is because we are more sympathetic because we are not. The fact it we do not show the same love and affection for human beings of different races, religions, sexual orientation or abilities? What is it, why this transference?

Recently the people of Winnipeg, Manitoba braved the ice and cold to show up for an emotional memorial farewell service to express their love of the world's oldest polar bear, Debby, at the Winnipeg zoo.

Hundreds of mourners wearing parkas and winter boots sat in the chilly outdoors venue, to pay their last respects. Zoo officials felt that it was important to give Winnipeggers a chance to say a proper farewell to their 42-year-old friend that brought happiness and warmth to both children and adults for more than four decades. There were tears, farewell letters and sad faces all expressions of love and tenderness they held for Debby.

Debby was brought to Canada from Russia in 1966 as an orphaned cub and was raised by the same zookeeper for most of her 42 years. The gentleman was obviously quite emotional during the ceremony.

Most Polar Bears in the wild can be expected to live between 20 and 24 years but Debby lived almost twice as long in captivity. She leaves six cubs she shared with Skipper her late mate who passed away a few years ago. Debby was a widow of sorts.

Zoo officials asked mourners not to send flowers but would appreciate a donation in Debby's name instead. Debby will not be replaced for some time because the current zoo facilities do not meet the required standard for a polar bear and renovations will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Debby's health began decline last year and she finally succumbed to kidney and other organ failures. At the end Debby could scarcely walk and officials were forced to put her down to ease her suffering, surrounded by her veterinarians and zookeepers.

She was the reason many visited the zoo. Debby was a considerate animal. She was always gracious and would never disappoint her guests. She would always perform one of her tricks and would come out of her holding place to welcome guests. She seemed to have known that people wanted to see her and obliged every time and ready to what seems like give a bear smile to her guests. Her white fur was always clean and beautiful to look at.

One can safely say that Debby was one of the zoo's main attractions for both adults and children. Dr. Gordon Glover, the Assiniboine Park Zoo Coordinator remarked that Debby knew just when to strike a pose and was one of the most filmed, photographed and sketched animals by numerous artists around the world and that she will be missed.

Debby and her partner named Skipper produced six cubs. Skipper died a few years ago leaving Debby a widow of sorts.

And finally Debby was a poster cub for the promotion of wildlife conservation. According to a Zoo's press release, Debby generated great public appeal and important contributions to the Zoo's Interpretive programs "She epitomized what one orphaned animal can achieve in promoting the conservation of her species and other wildlife in the light of mounting ecological and environmental challenge like global warming."

And in the end that may have been her greatest achievements aside for her six cubs. May Debby rest in peace in heaven among her human friends.