San Francisco Zoo community mourns death of polar bear 'Uulu'

Uulu the polar bear sits in her enclosure at the San Francisco Zoo. (Photo by Marianne Hale)

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A polar bear beloved by the San Francisco Zoo community passed away on Friday. At age 36, Uulu was one of the oldest living polar bears in captivity.

Uulu was the focus of several behavioral studies and was featured in a published paper about aging animal care at the San Francisco Zoo.
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She was the center of attention on "snow days." Twice in 2016, 10 tons of snow were blown into her habitat as a treat. More than 6,000 visitors watched her roll and slide around in joy in the snow, the zoo says.

IN MEMORIAM: SF Zoo's beloved polar bear dies at 36

Uulu the polar bear plays in snow that was brought into her exhibit at the San Francisco Zoo in 2016.none

Uulu the polar bear lounges around in her exhibit at the San Francisco Zoo.none

Uulu the polar bear plays in snow that was brought into her exhibit at the San Francisco Zoo in 2016.none

Uulu the polar bear lounges around in her exhibit at the San Francisco Zoo.none

Uulu the polar bear plays in snow that was brought into her exhibit at the San Francisco Zoo in 2016.none

Uulu the polar bear lounges around in her exhibit at the San Francisco Zoo.none

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"We are all tremendously saddened by the passing of our polar bear. She was an amazing animal ambassador and helped to educate millions of visitors over the years about polar bear conservation," said Tanya Peterson, President of the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens. "Uulu was well-known by many Zoo guests and she will be missed by all who connected with, and cared for her over the years."
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Uulu was rescued by the zoo when she was about 3 years old from Churchill, Manitoba, Canada.

She was the only polar bear at the SF Zoo.

RELATED: Winter comes early as zoo delivers snow to resident polar bear

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San Francisco Zoo mourns death of polar bear 'Uulu'