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  3. Death by Prada?

Death by Prada?

Three polar bear cubs born in November last year, play on snow at the Moscow Zoo, in Moscow, Tuesday, March 13, 2012. The cubs have only recently been revealed to the public as they have mostly stayed in the seclusion of their den. (Alexander Zemlianichenko / Associated Press)
Three polar bear cubs born in November last year, play on snow at the Moscow Zoo, in Moscow, Tuesday, March 13, 2012. The cubs have only recently been revealed to the public as they have mostly stayed in the seclusion of their den. (Alexander Zemlianichenko / Associated Press)

A polar bear has died at a Stuttgart, Germany zoo from ingesting a purse – and a coat. Anton, a 25-year-old beloved polar bear, presented strange behavior and started spitting out pieces of fabric, alerting zookeepers that perhaps something was wrong. Heroic attempts to save the bear failed.

Most likely the items were dropped by a visitor; the loss is a reminder that even when living in controlled captivity, wild animals are subject to humans’ behavior.

Anton's demise is another reminder that we never know our time, place – or cause – of departing the planet. 

(S-R archive photo)

Spokesman-Review features writer Rebecca Nappi, along with writer Catherine Johnston of Olympia, Wash., discuss here issues facing aging boomers, seniors and those experiencing serious illness, dying, death and other forms of loss.