Roger Williams Park Zoo Mourning New Loss

In what seems like a series of animal loss at Roger Williams Park Zoo, staff has announced the death of their female moon bear, Gracie.

Taking to their social media sites yesterday, zoo staff said the 27-year-old bear had a recent decline in heath and had to be humanly euthanized. For moon bears, 27 is pretty old and apparently age had been causing Gracie mobility issues, making it difficult and uncomfortable to get around her enclosure.

That enclosure was empty on Thursday February 9th, when the news of Gracie's passing was first released, though no sign around the area mentioned the recent death.

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Gracie was often seen at the zoo lounging around the rocks with her brother, George, and loved for her "unique and sweet personality."

Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village via Facebook

Both moon bear came together to the zoo as babies in 1996. Moon bears are solitary animals by nature however, so care takers believe George will be okay as the days and weeks go by.

Sadly the loss of Gracie is not completely new news out of Roger Williams Park Zoo.

Back in November 2022, Johari, one of the nine-year-old Cheetah sisters at the zoo, was also euthanized after suffering from stomach ulcers for some time. One month earlier in October, 2022, the beloved red panda Sha-Lei was also humanly euthanized at the end of a long medical struggle with heart failure.

All of these recent passings at the zoo were animals of advanced age who had been helped by care takers and veterinary staff at Roger Williams Park Zoo to live as comfortably as they could for as long as they could.

The zoo's statement on Gracie's death said,

"The Zoo family will hold a very special place in its heart for Gracie and she will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know her. Please keep the animal care team and all who loved her in your thoughts during this time."

20 Things To See at Roger Williams Park (Other Than the Zoo)

There are over 427 acres of beautiful landscaping, historical buildings and family friendly spaces at Roger Williams Park in Providence. Gifted to the city in 1872 by the last descendant of Roger Williams, Betsey Williams, the park has become primarily known for its amazing zoo. But throughout this historic district listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, there are plenty of other stunning things to see.