Coldilocks, the oldest polar bear in the U.S., celebrated her 35th birthday at the Philadelphia Zoo. Watch video
PHILADELPHIA -- The oldest polar bear in the United States celebrated her 35th birthday today.
Coldilocks, who has resided at the Zoo for more than three decades, first took a leisurely swim in her pool before pawing at her birthday treats -- two decorated pumpkins filled with peanuts and an ice cake filled with granola and dried fruits, topped with peanut butter "icing."
The typical lifespan for polar bears in zoos is approximately 23 years of age. Kevin Murphy, general curator for the Zoo, attributes Coldilocks' longevity partly to genetics, but "care is absolutely part of it."
"We make sure the individual well-being (of the animals) is at the top of our list," Murphy said.
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Polar bears in the wild are classified as a vulnerable species due to the shrinking of sea ice as a result of climate change, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Polar bears rely on the polar ice to hunt, travel and breed.
The Philadelphia Zoo collaborates with Polar Bears International to help increase awareness of polar bear conservation, as well as present ways for guests to help through changes in daily life -- such as using less energy, using less water, and recycling more -- that affect climate change.
Lori M. Nichols may be reached at lnichols@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @photoglori. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.