Zoo puts down Africa’s last polar bear

According to the statement, the chief veterinarian at Joburg Zoo, Dr Brett Gardener, faced a very tough choice. It was decided that due to liver failure, Wang would be put down. He died at 11.49am today.

“The much-loved bear born in 1984, arrived at Joburg Zoo in 1986 as part of a conservation exchange programme with [a] zoo in Japan. At [the age of] 30, polar bears are considered to have reached their full life span,” said the statement.

“Wang, in… recent months [had been] pining the loss of his partner of 27 years, GeeBee, who died on 12 January… due to natural causes. [Wang’s] distraught keeper, Agnes Maluleke, ensured that in… recent weeks, his days were filled with enrichment programmes and special treats, including his own Valentine’s Day celebration.”

Spokesperson for City Parks, Jenny Moodley, said Wang, who was diagnosed with liver ailments, had since November 2010 responded well to treatment, however, Joburg Zoo had indicated at that stage, that they remained concerned about his health.

The Joburg Zoo resolved in 2010 not to replace the ageing polar bears at the Zoo. This decision is still effective.

In a tribute to Wang, the Joburg Zoo will dedicate the Zoo Trot on 14 September to the rich legacy of Wang.

Tributes can be posted on the Joburg Zoo Twitter and Facebook pages on @JoburgParksZoo or @JoburgParks respecitively.