Cape May County Zoo mourns death of 20-year-old black bear Cody
The Cape May County Parks and Zoo is mourning the death of a beloved 20-year-old American black bear.
In a news release Tuesday, the zoo said the bear named Cody was euthanized due to declining health.
"No matter what kind of day a keeper had, he always put a smile on their face," a Cape May County Parks and Zoo spokesperson said in a news release. "He was enthusiastic when training and always cooperated to shift, even when he was intent on following his keepers wherever they went. The keepers will fondly remember high-fives with him and will keep those memories in their hearts. "
Cody had lived at the zoo since 2005.
A spokesperson said Cody was a staff favorite because of his laid-back personality. The zoo added that Cody loved to munch on peanut butter snacks, swim and nap in the shade.
The average lifespan of a black bear is 10 years, but they can live up to 30 years in the wild and captivity.