The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

1 Safari Place
Baltimore, MD 21217

3 May, 2023

Zoo saddened to announce polar bear death

Polar Bear found dead floating in its enclosure at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.

BALTIMORE– The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is sad to announce the unexpected death of
Homer, a 16-year-old polar bear. Homer was found floating dead in his enclosure, Polar Bear Watch. by
zookeeper Sara Getty on May 2, 2023. The exhibit has been temporarily closed and the other two polar
bears have been removed. Dr. Shanda Leer, a senior staff veterinarian, is leading an investigation to
determine the cause of death.
Homer was described as “a very curious and playful polar bear,” by a staff member. The staff and
community will miss him terribly.
This is the third death in a short period of time at the zoo. Staff are closely monitoring every
animal and each death is being thoroughly investigated. The Maryland Zoo cares for every animal they
house and always puts the animals first.
Zoo Director Chris P. Bacon says, “Animal welfare and the preservation of species are our
primary goals at the zoo,” following the mysterious death. All exhibits at the zoo are carefully designed to
mimic animals native habitats, including Polar Bear Watch: the zoo’s state-of-the-art polar bear exhibit. It
is a unique space designed to allow the bears to engage in natural behaviors, playing in manufactured
snow, digging in gravel and hunting trout in the chilled pool.
Polar bears have thrived at The Maryland Zoo since 1985, as have all their animals. The 160-plus
acre zoo property is home to more than 1,500 birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, representing
nearly 200 species. The zoo is accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA),
assuring excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors and a better future for all living things.
At this time, the two other polar bears that call Polar Bear Watch home are healthy and being
monitored by staff. The zoo is constantly working on bettering themselves for their animals and growing
as an organization of conservation and research.

About the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore:

What started as four swans in a park for display has turned into an internationally renowned Zoo.
Founded in 1876, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is the third oldest zoo in the United States and is
known for its contributions in conservation and research. The zoo was created by the Maryland state
legislature and was known as The Baltimore Zoo until 2004, when the name was officially changed to its
current title. The Maryland Zoo is owned by the City of Baltimore and managed by The Zoological
Society. Visitors can learn about over 1,500 animals in their own backyard, as well as those in more exotic
locales. The zoo is home to varied natural habitat exhibits such as Polar Bear Watch, the Maryland
Wilderness and the African Journey.
CONTACT
Dani Goldstein, Noa Haims, Nikki Hamidi, Lily Margulis, Emma Neubart, and Olivia Maust
Public Relations Department at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Danidaje@yahoo.com