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SALT LAKE CITY — On Sunday, Utah's Hogle Zoo announced they had made the decision to put down Rizzo the polar bear Saturday afternoon.
Rizzo, a 19-year-old female, had been receiving treatment for the past week after it was declared that she was in renal failure, the zoo said in a statement on Sunday. Her kidneys were unable to filter waste from the blood, and it was considered a terminal condition.
Saturday, zoo officials released a statement regarding Rizzo’s condition. Zoo veterinarians and caregivers monitored Rizzo and kept the bear comfortable, but her condition declined throughout Saturday afternoon, according to the Sunday statement.
The zoo decided to “humanely euthanize” Rizzo, officials said. said. “Rizzo passed comfortable and pain-free.”
Rizzo came to Hogle Zoo in 2012, which hadn’t had a polar bear in nine years at the time. Rizzo signaled the opening of the Rocky Shores attraction at the zoo. The zoo describes the attraction as “an extensive multi-animal habitat featuring bears, sea lions, seals and otters.” Visitors are able to view Rizzo and other animals swim in underwater exhibits, as well as residing on dry land. It “was designed as a long-term breeding and conservation facility.”
The loss of Rizzo not only leaves the zoo without a polar bear, but is also the loss of a beloved sight and attraction, the statement said.
"How do you thank a bear who has brought so much to the lives of so many?" said Erica Hansen, Community Relations Manager for Hogle Zoo. "Our Facebook page has been flooded with our guests sharing photos and memories. She just brought so much joy - we will miss her every day."
Freeman Stevenson is a web producer at KSL.com
