Female grizzly bear Else dies at Memphis Zoo
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
MEMPHIS, Tenn., (KBSI) — The Memphis Zoo announced the death of Else, a female grizzly bear, following a sudden and rapid decline in her health.
Zoo officials said Else became ill over the course of several days and received intensive, around-the-clock care from animal keepers and the veterinary team. Despite those efforts, she died. A full postmortem examination has been completed in accordance with standard animal care protocols, and additional diagnostic testing is ongoing.
Else was born in Wyoming in January 2009 along with her brothers, Yukon and Cochise. The cubs were orphaned after their mother was killed during a conflict with a hiker and later arrived at the Memphis Zoo in July 2009.
Zoo staff remembered Else as intelligent and strong-willed, with a gentle side. Keepers said she often took the lead among her siblings and quickly learned new behaviors during training sessions.
Else was a longtime resident of the Memphis Zoo and was cared for by the same team for many years. Zoo officials said she will be deeply missed by staff and all who came to know her.
