Polar bear at North Carolina Zoo dies
ASHEBORO, N.C. (WTVD) -- One of the N.C. Zoo's most recognizable animals has died.
Patches, a 26-year-old polar bear, died Sunday after declining health.
A necropsy revealed Patches had an extensive lung mass suggestive of lung cancer.
The zoo's general curator, Ken Reininger, said Patches had become lethargic and uninterested in food over the past few weeks.
"In the wild the average life span of a polar bear is 15-to-18 years old," said Dr. David Jones, director of the zoo. "Patches was 26 years old. She exceeded wildlife expectations by living a long life. She will be greatly missed by the zoo's staff and visitors."
"Patches will be sorely missed," said John Skvarla, secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which manages the zoo. "She was a special animal that shared her beauty and personality with thousands of North Carolina school children and residents. We are sorry to lose her, but grateful for her time with us."
Patches was born at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Neb. She was moved to the Erie (Pa.) Zoo in December 2007. When the Erie Zoo started a major construction project in November 2013, Patches was moved to the North Carolina Zoo.
