For The Journal Times
RACINE — It is with heavy hearts that the Racine Zoo shared the passing of Nora, its female Andean bear, on Saturday, Aug. 15.
Earlier in the week, it was discovered that Nora had gingival squamous cell carcinoma, an aggressive cancer in her mouth, leading to pain and difficulty eating. After consulting with Andean bear experts and veterinary oncologists, it was concluded that surgery and chemical therapies were not options for Nora, and the decision was made for humane euthanasia. With a life expectancy of only 20 years in the wild, Nora far exceeded expectations, living to 28 years of age.
Nora was born at Lincoln Park Zoo on Jan. 24, 1992. Nora made connections with guests across the country. She moved to Beardsley Zoo in Connecticut and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Ohio before moving to the Racine Zoo to retire in 2016. Nora made fans and friends wherever she went.
In her four years at the Racine Zoo, guests reached out constantly and would make the journey from around the country to visit her again. Her gentle nature and charismatic personality inspired lifelong connections with guests and keepers alike.
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