We Love You, Alaska by Maryland Zoo

Maryland Zoo

maryland_zoo — 2013-01-15 18:08:19 UTC

Thanks for sharing, everyone!

Rest in peace sweet Alaska!

2013-01-15 18:24:40 UTC

We'll Miss you Alaska!

2013-01-15 18:25:07 UTC

Rest in peace sweet Alaska. You will be missed. You were often the first and last during our visits to the zoo.

2013-01-15 18:25:59 UTC

Andrew

2013-01-15 18:28:42 UTC

I was fortunate enough to speak to one of Alaska's who told me about her story. She was a rescued bear from a Mexican circus and I am so glad she had a better life at the Maryland Zoo. She was an elderly bear with allergies and many visitors could notice her since she was the one who would scratch her fur a lot. Her and Magnet seemed to get along fine as opposed to Anoki, who he was a little tough rough with. I will certainly miss her personality when I visit the zoo again.

Thanks for visiting, Alaska. Thanks to the MD Zoo for rescue of this 'one swell bear'....

2013-01-15 18:29:08 UTC

My kids loved learning about polar bears through your playful spirit and everyday zest for life.

2013-01-15 18:30:32 UTC

Jen

2013-01-15 18:31:26 UTC

I remember every time I would visit the zoo, I would sit and watch the polar bears as often as I could. They are such beautiful creatures. Alaska, you were always so sweet and I will miss seeing you dearly.

Wow.. This bear has been around since I was little...very sad...

2013-01-15 18:35:15 UTC

My family adores the polar bears. We are so sorry to hear this! Alaska, you will be missed!

2013-01-15 18:38:45 UTC

Maryland Zoo

maryland_zoo — 2013-01-15 18:40:26 UTC

Photo from keeper, Becky Lynagh

JD

2013-01-15 18:41:35 UTC

Thanks for all these good years, Alaska. Hope they were as good for you here as they were for all of us who came to see you. We will miss you terribly.

We have adopted the Polar Bears for many years & have always loved to see them swimming in the bitter cold. No matter how freezing it was you were always mesmerized and couldn't stop smiling when watching them. We will miss her terribly!!!!!!!!

2013-01-15 18:49:16 UTC

Best Polar Bear Ever

2013-01-15 18:56:15 UTC

You were an awesome polar bear and we enjoyed watching

you swim around in the pool. You will be missed.

Maryland Zoo

maryland_zoo — 2013-01-15 18:59:05 UTC

Video of Alaska in the pool taken by Polar Bear Area Manager, Robyn Johnson

Rest in Peace beautiful !

2013-01-15 19:01:39 UTC

Karen

2013-01-15 19:25:17 UTC

Alaska we hope you are in a peaceful place now. We will miss seeing you but thank you for the time we had.

A sad day...

2013-01-15 19:25:29 UTC

We'll miss you very much Alaska! You were a great bear! Thanks for helping us teach guests about you!

The Barger family will surely miss you and our visits to see you. RIP Alaska!! Maggie, Alica and Mike

2013-01-15 19:25:57 UTC

Kathy

2013-01-15 19:26:01 UTC

I have been in love with Alaska for years. I especially remember her when she was first introduced to the new exhibit digging in the hillside until she looked all brown.. You were a beautiful and courageous bear. We all will miss you

What a beautiful animal .. so sorry

2013-01-15 19:27:05 UTC

CHLOE AND GAMMY WILL MISS YOU, BUT WE WILL BE BACK TO VISIT YOUR FRIENDS SOON AND WILL TAKE A MOMENT TO REMEMBER YOU ...!!! LOVE YOU,

2013-01-15 19:27:49 UTC

Wendy

2013-01-15 19:27:52 UTC

So sorry to hear of her passing, but so happy to have had the opportunity to enjoy watching her during her time at the Zoo!

Sara

2013-01-15 19:33:56 UTC

My son Jackson and our whole family are deeply saddened by the loss of Alaska. The polar bears have always been our favorite part of the zoo. We are just comforted knowing she is no longer in pain. Alaska will be greatly missed!

ChristyR

2013-01-15 19:35:11 UTC

May your spirit live on in

Robyn

2013-01-15 19:35:21 UTC

My boys loved coming to see the polar bears every time we'd vsist the zoo. As a matter of fact, we would always have to go there first before any other part of the zoo, to say "hello". They will be deeply saddened, as we all are.

Sad.....

2013-01-15 19:35:32 UTC

My grandkids and I loved to come and see

Alaska. She will be missed:)

2013-01-15 19:36:58 UTC

Awe

You were a great addition to the zoo and we looked forward to seeing you on our visits there. You will be missed.

2013-01-15 19:41:02 UTC

The Herbers

2013-01-15 19:42:12 UTC

We will miss you Alaska!

You will be missed.

2013-01-15 19:46:33 UTC

My kids and I love visiting the zoo.

The polar bears are one of our

favorites to see.

The Barlly Family

2013-01-15 19:46:36 UTC

Ahhh we feel very bad about this. God Bless Alaska and may he have plenty of room to roam around Heaven.

Ralph

2013-01-15 19:48:35 UTC

Rest in Peace. We always loved coming to see you and Magnet.

Michael and I loved watching you swim

2013-01-15 19:48:39 UTC

back and forth in your pool. You were

always entertaining! RIP Alaska. Thanks

for the memories.

Farewell from Bermuda

2013-01-15 19:50:39 UTC

We travel to Baltimoreevery year. The

polar bears are my son's favorite!!

You will certainly be missed Alaska!

Worshippers of the Great White Bear

2013-01-15 19:51:03 UTC

You were the noblest of creatures and you were not always treated with the respect you deserve... And then you lucked out and ended up with the noble Magnet at the zoo, where you were treated like the queen that you were. Goodbye, noble bear.

SP

2013-01-15 19:51:40 UTC

Rest in peace.

Tyler and Travis

2013-01-15 19:52:01 UTC

We will miss you. You were our first stop as soon as we got off of the tram. We ran to see if the "bears" were swimming.

May you have snowy fields to play in forever

2013-01-15 19:53:30 UTC

Glad to know that Alaska's last decade of life was in a wonderful place surrounded with other bears and great keepers. I'll miss you on my visits.

Loved the gentle giant!

2013-01-15 19:53:47 UTC

What a magnificent animal! We loved visiting Alaska--so sweet. My 2 girls adored her!
We'll all miss you Alaska!!

Hilary, :( R.I.P. ♥

2013-01-15 19:58:07 UTC

Bonnie

2013-01-15 20:02:27 UTC

Alaska will surely be missed by my kids and I. She was such a special bear with what seemed like a huge heart to match her size! Rest in Peace Alaska. You will not be forgotten.

The Sherly Family

2013-01-15 20:03:48 UTC

Our family has fond memories of Alaska swim and and play. We will miss you!

Carol

2013-01-15 20:04:53 UTC

I took my god-daughter to the zoo for her tenth birthday,and one of our favorite memories is watching Alaska scratch her back against the side of the pool and then dive for fish.

the Wagamans will miss seeing those huge paws wooshing by us...

2013-01-15 20:05:37 UTC

We will miss you Alaska! You are a beautiful polar bear and we loved seeing you at the Baltimore Zoo.

2013-01-15 20:05:37 UTC

Ed, Darlene & River Rosenberger

Rest in heaven Alaska, thank you for the memories.

2013-01-15 20:06:56 UTC

So sorry to hear that news, Alaska is a beautiful polar bear. I am sure you will be greatly missed. Sherry Tellitocci

2013-01-15 20:07:44 UTC

Patricia, Nick and Spencer

2013-01-15 20:08:48 UTC

The polar bear exhibit was always the first place my (then) toddlers ran to when we arrived at the zoo. Alaska you provided us with endless hours of entertainment. We will miss seeing you swim back and forth. Rest in peace.

My son's favorite stop at the zoo.

2013-01-15 20:10:01 UTC

My sincere condolences to staff. Alaska was able to live out the last part of her life in a fabulous and loving environment. She will be missed.

2013-01-15 20:12:27 UTC

From Wilhelm (another rescued bear from that horrible circus) in NC and Valerie.

2013-01-15 20:20:05 UTC

Awww...Polar Bears are the Best!

So sorry for your and "our" loss.

Marsha

Eberwein Family

2013-01-15 20:26:45 UTC

Over the past 10 years Alaska has been a favorite of ours. We loved to watch her swim and play in the exhibit. We will miss you Alaska!

My two sons and I will miss seeing you! We loved watching you swim, nap, and roll around. Rest in peace. -C, M & A

2013-01-15 20:27:18 UTC

LeeAnn and I will miss you! We;ve been inspired by you're story for years and always made a point of visiting when we came to the zoo. Rest in Peace beautiful soul!

2013-01-15 20:27:39 UTC

Michelle K

2013-01-15 20:34:34 UTC

So sorry to hear of Alaska's passing.
I have always enjoyed the polar bear exhibit
and will miss seeing her there. Thank you to all her keepers for providing her the wonderful life she deserved.

Donna

2013-01-15 20:40:36 UTC

So very sorry for the loss of Alaska.

What a joy Alaska brought for visitors to

the zoo, to watch the fun she had in her

exhibit. She will truly be missed by all.

Special thanks to the entire zoo staff for

wonderful care that you give to all of the

animals.

Erin

2013-01-15 20:53:19 UTC

I wish that Alaska was still alive and hope she is happy in heaven! MD Zoo: Thank you for taking good care of her.

Your story is inspiring.

2013-01-15 20:54:17 UTC

Sonya & family

2013-01-15 20:56:45 UTC

We are very saddened to hear about Alaska. I have several fond memories and pictures of her playing at the zoo during one of my many visits with the family. You will be greatly missed, dear Alaska.

The Shank Family

2013-01-15 20:57:28 UTC

We are heartbroken,

Our daughter always wanted to see

Her big white bear. You where loved

by many :-(

2013-01-15 21:00:29 UTC

A very sad day. Beautiful girl may you be

2013-01-15 21:00:37 UTC

in a cool and happy place full of fish.

Desiree and Gregg Kroeger

boys in Vermont

2013-01-15 21:02:22 UTC

Goodbye sweet Alaska. We have loved you from the moment we met. You will be missed.

Shirl Harbin, the polar bears and elephants are my favorite animals at the zoo. I never knew her story till now and it is heartbreaking. They are all beautiful and I sit here crying for the loss of such a beautiful endangered animal. I am glad she was able to stay with us and be happy and learn to swim. Be happy as you pass over the rainbow bridge.

2013-01-15 21:10:32 UTC

Suzie Hill

2013-01-15 21:10:40 UTC

what a noble animal. I'm so glad she had

ten good years at our zoo.

Nikki and Ryan

2013-01-15 21:11:07 UTC

My son and I travel many miles to the maryland Zoo just to see the polar bears! We will miss you Alaska!

Suzanne & Jenna

2013-01-15 21:17:30 UTC

We are so glad that you took such great care of Alaska. She definitely had a better fate in Baltimore than in a circus. Rest peacefully Alaska.

Carol Hagan.

2013-01-15 21:22:13 UTC

I loved her so much. This is making me cry. I know she is in a better place. She had a hard beginning but I'm so glad to have known and loved her.

Mike

2013-01-15 21:39:58 UTC

We were there at the zoo I ask I askmy daughter toget in front of the water at the bottom just as Itook the picture he jump in the water it was as he knew i was taking the picture and wanted to be in the shot.

The Williams Family

2013-01-15 21:46:47 UTC

Four generations of our family have enjoyed visiting our wonderful zoo. Alaska was a particular favorite of my daughter Claire, and myself. We were so excited when she, and the other polar bears, got the Tundra buggy/pool exhibit! It was always fun to see her play, bask in the sun, and swim. Her life story is heart-warming, too... I have used it with my students to lead off discussions about overcoming setbacks or disabilities in life. Rest in peace, Alaska -we will miss you!

emily

2013-01-15 21:48:41 UTC

i named my first stuffed animal alaska. I will miss seeing her at the zoo.

Cecilia

2013-01-15 21:51:00 UTC

I am so sorry for your lose. I remember when Alaska came to the zoo. She was an amazing bear and I know she will be missed.

Dee/Many thanks

2013-01-15 21:56:20 UTC

to the staff at the Maryland Zoo who took such wonderful care of our beloved Alaska. She will be missed by us all.

Kathleen, Roger and st Lee

2013-01-15 21:57:31 UTC

You were a great BEAR, RIP dear Alaska!!!

Sue

2013-01-15 22:16:32 UTC

How lucky we all were to be so close to such a beautiful animal. The real tragedy is that she was ever in a circus. Thanks to the zoo for giving her a better life. We will miss her greatly.

Oliver and Vivian

2013-01-15 22:53:37 UTC

I am glad you had a great 10 years at the zoo. We are happy to have watched

you swim like a bathing beauty esp. on some of our hot & humid MD days.

We love you and will miss you. Thanks for the laughs (and everything). Stay cool.

CINDY

2013-01-15 22:55:06 UTC

I always enjoyed my visits to the zoo to see all of the residents. My visits with my father were so precious, because he enjoyed the Polar Bears the most. So sorry to hear about the passing of beautiful Alaska.

The Smiths

2013-01-15 22:56:56 UTC

You were always our lst stop and loved

watching you swim.

Grantham Family-when you first arrived and started digging, we were so amazed and we've loved seeing you ever since...we'll miss you now.

2013-01-15 23:00:41 UTC

Sandy,Derr ns Zach

2013-01-15 23:01:37 UTC

We were very fortunate to have seen Alaska on our trip up North from Florida 4 years ago. She was beautiful. RIP dear Alaska.

Shannon

2013-01-15 23:02:21 UTC

Polar bears are the first, middle, and last

stop on every zoo trip. They are my favorite.

Alaska was loved by many and will be greatly

missed. Thank you caretakers for making her

so much better after being rescued from that

circus!!

Sharon

2013-01-15 23:06:21 UTC

So saddened to hear this, but glad that Alaska was so well cared for by her keepers who loved her at the Maryland Zoo for these past 10 years. She will be missed.

DE Family

2013-01-15 23:29:35 UTC

I cannot count the number of times we visited and you always made my daughter laugh.

We are sorry to lose you but grateful that you were happy and well cared for during your

ten years at the MD Zoo.

Kamar

2013-01-15 23:32:18 UTC

Will miss you very much Alaska. X

Ashlee, Sydney & Kim

2013-01-15 23:34:26 UTC

Polar Bears are our favorite part of the zoo! RIP Alaska.

Tracie the polar bears have always been my favorite bear. Since I moved away I only got to see Alaska a few times, but well worth the trip.

2013-01-15 23:49:09 UTC

I hope she went peacefully and knowing how much she was loved by so many.

Stephanie

2013-01-15 23:49:11 UTC

We were just there in December and stood watching the polar bears for almost an hour

You will be greatly missed Alaska and will always remain in our thoughts,, RIP and know

that you will remain on in many...

Alaska was my favorite polar bear. I will miss her.

2013-01-15 23:56:26 UTC

The Johnston's

2013-01-16 00:04:54 UTC

Alaska, you were such a beautiful bear. You will be greatly missed!

Claire and LaDonna

2013-01-16 00:52:39 UTC

RIP Alaska we will miss you when we visit the zoo this Spring.

Costello Family

2013-01-16 00:53:02 UTC

RIP Alaska. The next time we spot a polar
bear shape in the clouds, we'll
know it is your spirit swimming along in
the sky bringing us joy once more.

A fan of Alaska

2013-01-16 01:14:08 UTC

We always enjoyed stopping by the Tundra and

watching Laski (our nickname for her) chewing on a large plastic garbage can. She will be missed.

Peaya Yakab

Brandy

2013-01-16 01:41:32 UTC

I worked at the Zoo when Alaska first came. I remember how excited everyone was when she came. I would watch her belly flop my whole lunch break. I'll miss you lunch buddy

Terri Doran,

2013-01-16 02:12:12 UTC

Dear Tanya, I remember when we started out together with the goats, I could tell you had a special connection with the animals. Loosing someone close to you is never easy, the animals in our lives trust us and depend on us for everything, you build a very strong bond. Alaskas passing i know must be terrible for you and i want you to know i'm deeply sorry for yours and everyone in the zoo family's loss. i'm sure she is at peace and was very grateful for the love and care you and the other keepers gave her. My sincere condolences fondly, Terri

She taught us to overcome adversity and a handicap.

2013-01-16 02:26:04 UTC

Thanks Alaska

Ana

The Ford'

2013-01-16 02:38:09 UTC

Rest in peace. We love visiting the zoo and wish there were more animals to see. We love the polar bears. Thoughts and prayers to all who loved and cared for her. She is at peace.

Becky, Tanya, Robin

2013-01-16 03:09:38 UTC

You were constant friends and trainers for Alaska. She deserved to have the good life that she found at the Maryland Zoo. Thank you for taking good care of her. We will all miss her at the zoo, but know you bear the greatest loss.
My best memories were Magnet taking presents to Alaska when she came to the zoo, Alaska playing with a stick, and her reaction to her first snowfall. I loved observing her from the tundra buggy windows.

The Bennett Family

2013-01-16 04:37:54 UTC

We loved watching beautiful Alaska swim in the big Polar Bear tank when we'd visit. Alaska's exhibit was always our first stop. I know our 2 young sons will miss her, as will my husband and I. She will be remembered as an honorable embassador who taught us so much about Polar Bears.

Dawn,Austin and Logan and Craig

2013-01-16 04:40:57 UTC

Dear Alaska you will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

We all love you and enjoyed seeing you

So Sweet and so beautiful. Some people have a forever dog but she is our forever polar bear!

2013-01-16 10:43:54 UTC

Carol, Paul, Will, and Hank

2013-01-16 13:33:16 UTC

We loved coming to visit you! Thank you for letting us learn about you and your habitat. Will says,"Have fun in heaven!"

Autumn

2013-01-16 13:44:05 UTC

Polar Bear Watch has always been my family and my first stop when we visit the zoo. RIP Alaska, my family and I are going to miss you!

R,C, E, B

2013-01-16 14:20:07 UTC

You brought us great joy in the heat of summer when the keepers would bring you ice blocks, and we would watch you enjoy them, and the girls would giggle and laugh as you splashed in the water....thanks, Alaska!

Carol H - what a beautiful creature God created when he created the polar bear.

2013-01-16 14:49:32 UTC

God bless Alaska - he's at peace now.

Sympathy

2013-01-16 15:06:14 UTC

Dear Tanya, Becky & Robyn,

Sympathy to you for your loss. You gave Alaska a good quality of life that she sadly did not have in the circus.

She will be sorely missed by so many people.

Barbara Pilert

Ann Marie

2013-01-16 15:07:04 UTC

We will miss you, Alaska! She brought a lot of joy to Baltimore & thanks to the zookeepers for the wonderful work that they did with her.

Luz and Noell, Another loss of a beautiful animal.

2013-01-16 15:17:15 UTC

2013-01-16 15:55:43 UTC

So sweet, you will be missed!

The Morton Family

2013-01-16 17:42:30 UTC

On my son's 2nd birthday you came by and looked at him. He will always remember you saying Happy Birthday.You are forever in our hearts beautiful girl!

Ann, Kalena, and Parker

2013-01-16 18:09:20 UTC

We have greatly enjoyed spending time with Alaska. We have very special memories of our "zoo friends", and the children LOVED the "pole bear" as 2 yr old Parker used to call her! We will miss you, Alaska!!

Brayden, Ryan & Trevor

2013-01-16 19:25:20 UTC

We love the Polar Bear exhibit.

We have visited Alaska since we were

babies. We will miss her very much!!

June - Alaska was extra special because she was deaf. Extra smart, extra loving. Will miss her. Sympathy to each of you who worked with her and loved her.

2013-01-17 00:13:12 UTC

Sherry

2013-01-17 12:24:55 UTC

We will miss you Alaska! Thanks for teaching us to love

and protect precious animals such as polar bears. Now go in peace to a better

where polar bears can roam safe and free.

Alexis & Logan

2013-01-17 15:13:24 UTC

You were so beautiful & will miss you.

Linda M.

2013-01-18 19:02:08 UTC

You will be missed. Loved you.

Kiersten Noel When I went to the Zoo on a field trip, you came up to the glass under the water and touched my hand. I will never forget you! I love you Alaska :)

2013-01-18 22:52:30 UTC

Tammy

2013-01-19 05:18:04 UTC

I am sorry for your loss. I know that she was

a special bear to all of us. I will always remember

the first day she went on exhibit in the snow. She knew just

what to do, belly slide all over the place. She was a lucky bear to

get to live out her life at the zoo.

Paula

2013-01-20 04:11:25 UTC

I am very sad to here about the passing of dear Alaska. My two year old Granddaughter never got to see Her !!

Brenda

2013-01-20 23:58:09 UTC

Alaska wanted no parts of Magnet when she came to the zoo but soon they would become best friends. My heart goes out to the keepers who take such good care of all the animals and become very attached. Good job to all of you. Magnet like the rest of us will miss Alaska. She gave us all so much joy watching her.

Strong, beautiful, playful Alaska...you left your legacy on our planet. RIP - The Frank Family

2013-01-24 19:08:53 UTC

Susan F - I'm so glad Alaska came to our Zoo - she had the best keepers caring for her. I will miss her and her un-lady like way she loved to lay on her back. She was an amazingly graceful swimmer and will be missed deeply!

2013-01-28 14:49:06 UTC

Sad to hear of her passing, but glad she got to spend so many years in such as great place as the Baltimore Zoo!

2013-01-28 20:30:08 UTC

Tina

2013-01-31 14:46:48 UTC

You will be missed Alaska! You brought some

of my best memories of the zoo and you were truly an amazing bear. I am glad to have the pleasure of sharing your days.