Columbia’s Riverbanks Zoo mourns death of beloved animal
Riverbanks Zoo is mourning the loss of one of the zoo community’s favorite animals.
Sundance, one of Riverbanks’ two grizzly bears, died Saturday after a period of declining health, the zoo announced in a Facebook post.
Sundance and his brother Butch have lived at the Columbia zoo since the two were 9-month-old cubs. Sundance was known as a gentle giant who was always happy to see his human visitors.
“Fondly known as our sunshine bear, Sundance had a gentle disposition, kind eyes, and loved to interact with his keepers,” the zoo said in announcing his passing. “He was an expert napper and could dig the perfect hole for reclining comfortably.”
The bear is survived by his brother and frequent wrestling partner Butch. Keepers joked that Sundance was Butch’s “foreman” based on how intently he oversaw his brother’s hole-digging in their shared enclosure.
“Sundance was an amazing ambassador for his wild counterparts, and we know that he inspired guests to protect and conserve nature,” the zoo said.
His passing was mourned by zoo patrons online, who offered condolences to the keepers who worked closely with him.
“I feel so lucky to have been able to volunteer and work with him,” one Facebook user wrote. “I would love how he come inside and lay flat on his stomach on his bed ( looking like a bear rug).”
“We just saw him a few weeks ago. He was hilarious,” another wrote. “RIP big guy!”
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