Edmonton Sun

Sat, August 11, 2007
Debby's a polar record
Winnipeg zoo resident is longest-living example of her species

By SHANNON VANRAES, SUN MEDIA

WINNIPEG -- This polar bear has been melting hearts for a record number of years.

Forty-year-old Debby, who has called Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park Zoo home since 1967, has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest living polar bear.

"Considering bears in the wild live 20 years, having an animal live twice this long is quite an achievement," said Bob Wrigley, the zoo's curator.

The still active polar bear was born in 1966, likely in December, in Russia. She arrived in Winnipeg as an orphan in the spring of 1967.

Since then, Debby has produced six surviving offspring with her late mate, Skipper, and thrilled millions of visitors, according to Wrigley.

"Her health has been excellent, considering how old she is," he added.

Zoo keeper Harold Masters believes a combination of good genes and good care has kept her going this long.

"She doesn't have to put up with the really, really harsh climate," he said, adding that may have contributed to her longevity.

Debby has also had some medical treatments over the years, including dental work, and receives daily doses of Aspirin to ward off small strokes, something posing a problem in the past.

Masters has worked with Debby for eight years and said she has a distinct personality, enjoying treats like veggie dogs and smoked goldeye.

"For a bear ... she is very independent," he explained.

The zoo keeper is confident the polar bear will reach 41, the oldest recorded age for any polar bear, and even several years beyond. Debby is also the second-oldest living example of all seven bear species. The oldest is 43.