Sea World Gold Coast’s mother polar bear Liya dies mysteriously aged 19 leaving behind a heartbroken cub Mishka – after leading Australia’s first breeding program
- Liya died at Polar Bear Shores at Sea World on the Gold Coast on Saturday night
- The cause of her sudden, unexpected death has not been revealed
- Liya contributed to species conservation and education at the theme park
- The 19-year-old bear gave birth to four cubs since 2013 but only two are alive
Polar bear mother Liya has died unexpectedly at Gold Coast Sea World, breaking the hearts of animal lovers and staff at the Queensland theme park.
The 19-year-old star of the Polar Bear Shores exhibit died suddenly on Saturday night of unknown causes.
The popular mother-bear gave birth to four cubs in Australia including Henry in 2013 and Mishka in 2017.
Sea World posted this photo of Liya in January, saying she was easy to spot from a distance thanks to her ‘beauty spot’ under her left eye
Liya playing with a toy at Polar Bear Shores. The much-loved bear died unexpectedly on Saturday night at Gold Coast Sea World, breaking the hearts of staff and visitors alike
Henry was sent to Canada to take part in a breeding program while Mishka remained on the Gold Coast.
Henry’s twin died during birth while Mishka’s sister died a month after being born after she stopped growing.
Liya was a star attraction together with her daughter Mishka at Polar Bear Shores, the only place in Australia where the general public could watch live polar bears play, swim and interact with each other.
The much-loved bear was born in December 2000 at the Leningrad Zoo in Russia before she was moved to Sea World at the age of one.
Polar Bears can live up to 30 years in the wild, grow up to eight feet tall (2.4 metres) and weigh up to 800kg.
Liya was photographed earlier this month by The Bulletin magazine eating a piece of watermelon next to Christmas presents, looking active and healthy.
Liya in 2013 with her first cub Henry, pictured at 19 weeks of age. Henry went on to take part in a breeding program in Canada
Liya in 2017 after giving birth to twin cubs, one of which died. The survivor, Mishka, remains at Polar Bear Shores at Sea World Gold Coast
Liya pictured in 2017 with her daughter Mishka, aged three-and-a-half months
The carnivorous bears are native to the Arctic Circle and are classed as vulnerable in the wild.
Sea World has not yet revealed the cause of the sudden and unexpected death.
The marine theme park said in a statement they were deeply saddened by the bear’s death.
Sea World Head of Marine Sciences Wayne Phillips said Liya had led a long and enriched life.
Gold Coast Sea World is the only place in Australia where people can see live polar bears
Liya pictured in 2018 with her cub Mishka on the cub’s first birthday
Liya playing with her cub’s birthday toys. Polar bears can live up to 30 years in the wild
‘Her legacy to the ongoing conservation and education efforts of polar bears will continue through her cubs, Mishka, who lives on the Gold Coast and Henry, who lives in Canada,’ he said in the emailed statement.
‘The animals at Sea World are like family and Liya will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her,’ he said.
‘In her 18 years at Sea World, Liya has helped generations of park guests gain a better appreciation for polar bears and the marine environment.’
‘Sea World has a long-history of working with marine animals, with over 40 years of experience in animal care, research and rescue. The health and wellbeing of the animals in our care is of the utmost priority and we have a strong reputation for caring for marine animals.’