Rotterdam-born polar bear dies at 36, believed to be oldest in captivity

Larissa, a polar bear born in Rotterdam in 1990, has died at age 36. She is believed to be the oldest polar bear in captivity. The park said her death was a major loss for her caretakers.

This was reported by the Neumünster Park in Germany, where Larissa spent her last days. The park said that she was euthanized after her health deteriorated sharply because of old age, leaving no prospect of recovery. Her death leaves "a great void" for her caretakers, the park said.

Larissa was born at a zoo in Rotterdam and moved to the German wildlife park in 2017. According to the park, she may also have been the world's oldest polar bear. Polar bears in the wild generally live less than 20 years, making her lifespan exceptional.

The Neumünster Park described Larissa as "an extraordinary animal" and "a personality that gave the wildlife park its character for a long time."