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Is Gus The Widowed Central Park Polar Bear Sad?
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jun 7, 2011
Modified Jun 7, 2011
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Jun 7, 2011
Modified Jun 7, 2011
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Photo via leftanter's flickr
Can everyone go and give Gus the polar bear a little love this week? The Central Park Zoo bear lost the love of his life, Ida, last week, and he's already been depressed enough in the past, being dubbed the "bipolar bear." Now CityRoom reports that Gus is all alone, and and expert tells them, “For any animal that forms a close bond with another one, there would be some sense of loss.” Ida was his companion for 24 years.
So far, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society, Gus seems to be doing just fine, but they're keeping a close eye on him. One vet says, “We really have to see how this goes.” So far he's done everything from swim laps, drift in the water, and sit silently, not touching his toys.
As for Ida's remains, they plan to cremate her, keeping some tissue samples to study. As for Gus, maybe some more presents could help:
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Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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