post on social media<\/a>, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZoo) described Beezler as “a celebrated member of the community for decades, and she was especially inspirational to many in their golden years.” <\/p>\n\u201cShe was the oldest Asiatic black bear in human care in the country, but it seems like she only turned \u2018old\u2019 really recently,\u201d Jessi Palmer, Rocky Mountain Wild animal keeper, said in a statement. \u201cShe was still so mentally sharp, observant and engaged. It\u2019s like we knew she was old, but she didn\u2019t believe it. I think many people who are aging related to her and were inspired by her. She just kept going.\u201d<\/p>\n
The median life expectancy for Asiatic black bears in human care is 29 years, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Beezler continued to surprise her care team, even in her 30s.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were delivering an enrichment item via zip line into her outdoor area, and it got stuck just above the structure,\u201d Kelsey Walker, Rocky Mountain Wild senior animal keeper, recalled. \u201cBefore we could shake it loose, Beezler was scaling a diagonal tree trunk and balancing on her back legs to reach it. That was typical Beezler \u2013 defying the odds and making you rethink everything you thought you knew.\u201d<\/p>\n
Before she was euthanized, zoo staff planned a Last Best Day for Beezler, which included goodbyes from her zoo family, a signed card, and her favorite treats of cookies, whipped cream, muffins and meatballs. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt may sound strange, but we work hard and have hours of discussions to make sure we\u2019re giving each animal its Last Best Day,\u201d Bob Chastain, president and CEO at CMZoo, said in a statement. \u201cWe wanted to make sure Beezler was healthy enough to pass peacefully. That meant a few things for us. She needed to eat something so we could keep her medicated, and we needed her to be comfortable and peaceful while the process took place. The team was able to achieve that peaceful passing for Beezler, and that\u2019s comforting to all of us. She\u2019ll be deeply missed.\u201d<\/p>\n
The zoo concluded its post by remembering Beezler as “a giant presence at CMZoo and around the world.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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