Happy 30th Birthday, Diamond! February 4, 2021
The Racine Zoo is preparing to celebrate a very special occasion, the birthday of Diamond, the beloved Andean bear! Diamond will be turning 30 on February 4. His birthday celebration will include special enrichment and a birthday cake.
Diamond was born on February 4, 1991 at the Cincinnati Zoo to mother Roxanne and father Jeremy. He grew up with his four siblings, including his littermate Manco Capac, named after the legendary founder of the Inca civilization. Manco is still thriving at the Gladys Porter Zoo of Brownsville, Texas! From there, Diamond moved to Smoky Mountain Zoological Park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in 1992. He stayed there for eight years before moving to the Los Angeles Zoo in 2000. Finally, Diamond came to the Racine Zoo in July 2004, and has flourished here ever since. Diamond loves snoozing in his cave, training with keepers, and enjoying his favorite food—apples!
Andean bears are the only bear species native to South America, and are the continent’s largest carnivore. However, most of their diet consists of fruits and greens. In fact, they even are known to make platforms in trees to sleep and look for fruit. The only bear that eats more plant matter than Andean bears is the giant panda. Andean bears are also known as “spectacled bears” due to their fur pattern. They have black or dark brown fur with cream colored markings around their eyes that are completely unique to each bear, similar to our fingerprints! The lifespan of the Andean bear in the wild is 25 years, but zoo animals generally live longer. The celebration of Diamond’s 30th birthday is truly a momentous occasion!
You can say hello and wish a happy birthday to Diamond at the Racine Zoo’s Bear Ridge, located next to Raptor Roost and across from the West Caucasian Tur Mountain! On February 4, 2021 at 10:30am, Diamond will be partying with some birthday enrichment and a special cake made for him by Malicki’s Piggly Wiggly. General admission required to visit.
To further celebrate this special occasion, exclusive Diamond birthday apparel is also available! Multiple colors of shirts and sweatshirts are available in youth and adult sizes. Funds raised will help support the care of our animals.
MUST ORDER BY FEBRUARY 7, 2021! All mailed orders will be mailed the week of 2/22/21. All pickup orders will be available at the Racine Zoo the week of 2/22/21. You will be contacted about specific pickup times.
