Photo: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden/Facebook
The Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia, South Carolina, is mourning the loss of one of their beloved grizzly bears.
“Fondly known as our sunshine bear, Sundance had a gentle disposition, kind eyes, and loved to interact with his keepers,” the zoo said in astatementon Facebook. “He was an expert napper and could dig the perfect hole for reclining comfortably.”
“Sundance loved to wrestle with his brother Butch and always kept an eye on his brother’s hole digging,” the statement continued. “Keepers joked that he was Butch’s foreman and oversaw all his hard work. We feel his loss greatly and know that others will too as he touched so many lives.”
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Riverbanks Zoo and Garden/Facebook
Zookeepers added that Sundance was an “amazing ambassador” for his wild counterparts and “inspired guests to protect and conserve nature.”
“He was a treasure and will be missed tremendously,” the zoo wrote.
Under the sad announcement, many zoo visitors shared photos and personal stories about interacting with Sundance.
“My heart is broken. I feel so lucky to have been able to volunteer and work with him. I would love how he’d come inside and lay flat on his stomach on his bed (looking like a bear rug). He will be greatly missed,” one person wrote.
“He was hilarious. RIP big guy,” a Facebook user said before another person added, “Love this handsome fella!! Really gonna miss him! Thinking about the keepers and vet staff who worked tirelessly to take care him every day!”
source: people.com
