Suzie the bear, longtime Maine Wildlife Park resident, dies at 30

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • December 19, 2024

After nearly 30 years living in the Maine Wildlife Park, Suzie the black bear has died, the park announced Thursday. The park did not say when exactly Suzie died, but said in a written announcement that her declining health and mobility indicated that “it was time to say goodbye.” “Suzie wasn’t big for a black bear, but her bear boss attitude reminded her larger bear friends to respect their elders,” the park said. “Her more delicate side came out during snack time. She was known to pluck grapes from a bunch one at a time with her dexterous lips and had a funny habit of balancing snacks on the back of her paws to nibble at daintily.”