Koluk floats on his again in February 1998 whereas toying with an enormous plastic ball in his exhibit on the ABQ BioPark zoo. (Aaron Wilson/Albuquerque Journal)
They are saying the great die younger. Typically, they develop previous first.
That was the case for Koluk, a 26-year-old polar bear that has known as the ABQ BioPark residence because the late Nineteen Nineties. The Metropolis of Albuquerque introduced Koluk was euthanized on Friday “after his well being quickly declined this week.”
BioPark officers stated the choice was made after employees found Koluk had extreme liver and kidney illness throughout a current checkup.
Koluk was nonetheless forward of the curve of his bear-thren as most solely reside 20 years in captivity and as much as 18 within the wild, in response to a launch despatched out Friday. Koluk’s twin brother and exhibit-mate Kiska continues to be in good well being and stays lively, however is now the BioPark’s lone polar bear.
Officers stated Kiska “adjusted nicely as a solitary bear” throughout Koluk’s sickness.
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Koluk goes head first into the pool on the ABQ BioPark zoo on July 15, 2001. (Rose Palmisano/Albuquerque Journal)
The discharge states Koluk and Kiska have been born in November 1996 at Utah’s Hogle Zoo and moved to the BioPark in October 1997.
“Koluk was some of the playful animals on the BioPark, and he was a favourite amongst visitors and employees,” Casey Taylor, ABQ BioPark assistant mammal curator, stated in a launched assertion. “We’re so lucky to have cared for Koluk, and we’re heartbroken with this loss.”
Koluk’s “playful demeanor was fixed” even into his previous age, when he nonetheless held a “fondness for diving into the pool to catch fish and ice treats,” in response to the discharge. Koluk reportedly developed “deep ranges of belief” with employees which helped when it got here to numerous exams and “was a key part of his strong well being and lengthy life.”
Polar bear brothers Koluk and Kiska calm down of their enclosure on the ABQ BioPark Zoo, which is holding a collection of occasions to rejoice Worldwide Polar Bear Day immediately. (Supply: ABQ BioPark Zoo)
The discharge states that Koluk was identified with coronary heart illness in 2019 and placed on treatment to handle his situation. In current days employees noticed “a scarcity of urge for food, sluggishness and stiffness” within the bear.
A full examination was given on Could 19 and employees found Koluk was affected by extreme liver and kidney illness, in response to the discharge. Since then employees gave “supportive care” to Koluk and extra testing confirmed the illness was development.
BioPark employees then made the choice to euthanize Koluk.
Koluk tries to chill off from the sweltering warmth again in July 2001. (Rose Palmisano/Albuquerque Journal)