Jane - Courtesy: Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain, NC-- Officials at Grandfather Mountain announced the death of one its female bears, Jane.
According to a news release, the Bear was 29 years old and passed away last Friday. Trainers noticed the bear wasn't feeling well on Thursday and she finally succumbed to old age the following night. Jane came to Grandfather Mountain on January 22, 1993 after being rescued from an abusive home at a roadside zoo. Her background of abuse caused her to be fairly wary of people, but she loved to get treats and her personality mellowed a great deal as she matured.
Jane was a mother several times throughout her life. She was very nurturing and will always be remembered as a wonderful mother to several cubs. Black bears typically live 25-30 years in captivity. Jane was the second oldest bear to live at Grandfather Mountain's Animal Habitats. Maxi, a descendant of Mildred the Bear, died in April 2004 at the age of 34. Maxi's sister Mini also lived to be 29 but died soon after her birthday.
Officials list Jane's age at 29 but said it was closer to 29.5 years. Carolina, another black bear, was recently moved into Jane's enclosure and will remain there.
Grandfather Mountain still has seven black bears and there are currently no plans to acquire any more at this time. For more information click here or call 800-468-7325.
WFMY/Grandfather Mountain