The alpaca Caesar was killed when a wild bear broke into the Alaska Zoo at night. Photo courtesy Alaska Zoo.
A wild brown bear forced its way into the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage and killed a 16-year-old alpaca named Caesar.
Alaska Fish and Game officials had already identified the adult male brown bear as a problem bear in the area. The bear had been flipping dumpsters to break bear-resistant mechanisms and access the trash. Saturday night, September 19, the bear forced its way through the zoo’s perimeter fencing.
Officials later euthanized the bear. Zoo staff found where the bear forced its way through the fence and reinforced the area.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss of both a wild bear and Caesar the alpaca. We care deeply about all animals and feel saddened by the deaths on both sides of the situation. We take this as a reminder that our city of Anchorage is indeed bear country. Wild bears are still active, gathering food and resources before their winter’s sleep. We ask the public to stay vigilant with bear safety protocols in neighborhoods by securing trash and other attractants,” Patrick Lampi, director the Alaska Zoo, said in a press release.
Caesar’s companion alpaca/llama Fuzzy Charlie Kozak escaped the attack and when found by zoo staff he appeared to be in good condition.
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