PETA Claims Heartbreak Killed SeaWorld Polar Bear 'Szenja'

SAN DIEGO, CA – UPDATE: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 4:10 p.m.

An animal advocacy group's allegation that a polar bear at SeaWorld San Diego died of a broken heart elicited a strong response Wednesday from the theme park.

SeaWorld reported Tuesday that the bear, Szenja, died at the age of 21. The cause of death was pending an examination.

In a statement, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals contended the death was the result of SeaWorld sending her longtime companion, Snowflake, to the Pittsburgh Zoo to breed more "miserable" polar bears.

"Szenja did what anyone would do when they lose all hope: she gave up," said PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Remain.

In response, SeaWorld issued a statement that said its staff would "remain focused on our important mission of animal conservation and public education and inspiration."

"We will not be distracted by organizations with a clear anti-zoo agenda creating false narratives not grounded in any scientific fact," said David Koontz of SeaWorld San Diego.

"It is well-documented that adult polar bears are typically solitary animals, and Szenja was continually cared for and enriched by her dedicated and passionate animal care team," Koontz said. "She did not demonstrate any adverse behavioral changes following Snowflake's transport to the Pittsburgh Zoo in February as part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding visit."

He said that unlike wild polar bears facing habitat loss, human encroachment and limited food sources, Szenja lived a "long and enriching life" at SeaWorld with the "passionate and uncompromising care" provided her trainers.

The bear made a positive impact on tens of millions of park guests that had the chance to see her over the past 20 years, he said.

Szenja was born in Germany and acquired by SeaWorld in 1997 for its then- new "Wild Arctic" exhibit.

According to SeaWorld, she began showing a loss of appetite and energy over the past week, and her trainers and veterinary staff had been closely monitoring her condition.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 6:53 a.m.

A polar bear brought to SeaWorld San Diego when the park's "Wild Arctic" exhibit opened in the late 1990s died Tuesday.

Park officials said a necropsy will be performed to determine a cause of death for Szenja, a 21-year-old female.

Park officials said caregivers and veterinary staff noticed a loss of appetite and energy in the bear over the past week and were monitoring her condition. Even still, her death was unexpected, according to park officials.

The average lifespan of a polar bear varies depending on the source. SeaWorld cites Polar Bears International's estimate of 15-18 years in the wild, though a small percentage can range up to 30 years or so.

"Szenja was a beloved member of our animal family, so this is a very difficult day for all of us," said Al Garver, the park's vice president of zoological operations.

"Szenja not only touched the hearts of those who have cared for her over the last two decades, but also the millions of guests who had a chance to see her in person," Garver said. "We're proud to have been a part of her life and to know that she inspired people from around the world to want to protect polar bears in the wild."

SeaWorld estimated that around 50 million visitors have seen Szenja at the exhibit over the years. She was also the subject of studies into polar bear hearing sensitivity, social habits, reproductive hormones and seasonal behavior patterns.

Szenja was born at the Wuppertal Zoo, near Dusseldorf, Germany, in October 1995, and was brought to San Diego two years later.

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--City News Service/Image courtesy of SeaWorld on Facebook