Asiatic black bear turns 32 years old, becomes oldest in the country, zoo says
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV/Gray News) - A bear in Colorado is celebrating a milestone birthday.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo said its Asiatic black bear Beezler turned 32 years old Monday.
Beezler, also called Beez, is now the oldest living Asiatic black bear in the entire United States.
The zoo said Beez celebrated her birthday with some of her favorite treats including strawberries, whipped cream, popcorn and a “bear chow cake.”
The zoo said Beez surpassed the AZA’s median life expectancy for Asiatic black bears in human care by three years.
In human years, the zoo said Beez would be in her 90s.
In her old age, she takes supplements for arthritis, and the zoo said they keep her active by placing enriching items through her enclosure that promote digging, bending and stretching.
“Gracefully slowing down, Beezler is embracing her golden years while keeping her wiggly nose, shaggy mane, oversized ears and gentle nature - traits that have won countless hearts over the years,” the zoo said.
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