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The Assiniboine Park Zoo is mourning the loss of Agee, a 30-year-old polar bear who died last week following a sudden decline in health.
Agee arrived at the Winnipeg zoo in 2022 after spending most of her life in private care in British Columbia. She was rescued as a geriatric bear with complex medical needs and was not visible to the public, instead living in a private space designed to provide comfort in her final years.
“Agee immediately stole the hearts of her care team,” the zoo said in a statement. “They bonded deeply with her over their time together.”
Veterinary staff had been managing several age-related health issues, including kidney failure, dental problems, and limited mobility. While Agee appeared to be doing well in recent weeks and had even gained weight, her condition took a sudden turn for the worse.
“She had a rapid, significant decline in her kidney function, potentially associated with an infection,” the zoo noted. “Sadly, despite medical intervention, Agee passed away.”
A postmortem examination is underway, with tissue analysis and infection screenings being conducted at specialty veterinary pathology laboratories to determine the cause of her rapid decline.
Though Agee lived behind the scenes, her presence was deeply felt by those who worked with her.
“She preferred a calm environment, familiar people, and predictable routines,” the statement read. “She loved to swim, cuddle with her toys, and build cozy nests with straw and hay.”
Zoo staff described her as a bear who “lived in Agee’s world,” and said she found comfort in simple pleasures like cardboard boxes and rain barrels.
Agee's passing marks the end of a brief but meaningful chapter for her caregivers.
“Please join us in offering our sincere condolences to those members of our team who loved Agee and cared for her every day,” the zoo said.