Gus- The Bipolar Bear

World Without Zoos Spotlight Series #2

This is the story of Gus, the polar bear, who as a baby did not have a chance to spend time in the Arctic with his loving family. He was born in a zoo, and then transferred to the Central Park Zoo in New York. Gus became a celebrity and was nicknamed ‘The Bipolar bear’ as he swam lap after lap in lonely figure eight patterns 12 hours a day, every single day of every year. Over 20 million visitors came to see him, finding his situation fascinating. The media called him flaky and neurotic. People wrote short books and made videos, popularizing the 700 pound polar bear. An animal behaviorist declared Gus was bored and developed a program that gave Gus toys, treats, challenges, playrooms… anything to help his so called boredom. Slowly, Gus began to heal, however things changed when Gus’s companion Ida died. Gus could not figure out her disappearance and started to have a hard time eating and began swimming in circles again. In 2011 a veterinarian found a large inoperable tumor in Gus’s thyroid region, and they made the tough decision to put the aching 27 year old polar down. It was a sad ending for the ‘bipolar bear’ who never got a chance to live a happy life. Gus was truly cared for by millions, and he still rests in peace in our hearts today.