Debbys' Celebration of Life

On Your Bike Debby

Today, hundreds of people huddled together in their mittens and toques, in perfect polar bear weather, to celebrate the life of an old friend. If Debby were present, she would have shown off a wide photogenic polar bear grin at the sight of such a poignant ceremony.

A local radio station host, who had opportunity to share personal experiences with Debby, gave a lighthearted tribute of how easily she could make the day of each of her visitors and how she enticed many to lean over the side of her enclosure and call out “I love you Debby.” The Polar Bear clan sang a traditional tribute song while playing a Polar Bear Drum, and a cleansing smudge ceremony was performed over those present.

Debby’s keepers bared their hearts as they told the crowd cherished moments gleaned from spending time caring for her. We laughed at the stories of Debby’s favourite cream puff treats and rocky road ice cream, her fun-loving personality that loved to entertain people, and even the way she was so particular about presenting only her “best side” when she had a daily shower. We even shared a tear (or two) as we joined the keepers in singing the song Debby heard daily and what were the last words she heard before her passing. It ended by calling out, “On your bike” an old English expression spoken often to her, from one of her former keepers, which means “Off you go.”

many wrote of their appreciation and love for Debby on a huge banner

Queen Elizabeth once said “Grief is the price we pay for love.” When we asked the zoo staff if there was something they would like mentioned about Debby in this blog, they all commented on her natural ability to love visitors and have them love her back. Simply by looking at the faces of the crowd it is evident that this gentle White Sea Bear had deeply and personally touched the lives of each person who stopped by her enclosure.

Debby was an incredible ambassador for the arctic and a longstanding testimony to the care and devotion of the staff at the Winnipeg Zoo. We have many fond memories of her, and can imagine her dancing among Northern Lights while munching on the newest flavour of ice cream.

Thanks Debby for the paw print you’ve left on our hearts.

Great Big Bear Hugs!