Zookeepers bare their souls to inform visitors

These sentimental words went viral on social media and were reposted by multiple Chinese news outlets, where people are used to reading zoo reports mostly about newborn animals and imports of exotic species.

In the past, the public rarely had a chance to see how zoos recorded and released news of the passing of resident animals, especially the noncelebrity ones. They passed away invisibly and silently.

But now, Laoma is very much known to the world.

Guo hung the obituary outside the bear house the day after Laoma died. The animal passed away while sleeping on Dec 31. Most sun bears have a life expectancy of around 20 years. Laoma reached 33, which is equivalent to 100 years of human life.

Writing obituaries has become a routine for Guo's colleagues to express mourning for their deceased animal friends. In September 2020, the zoo wrote one for a river deer called Zijin, saying the animal had a friendly, calm and cooperative personality, and "always took the lead in eating when meals were served".

Recounting the details of an animal's life is a crucial comfort for the keepers to get through their grief.

"We, zookeepers, are used to dealing with death, too," say Peng Peila, the first one to write obituaries for the deceased animals at the zoo.

On the death notice for the deer, Peng wrote that Zijin will be missed, but not forgotten. "We will always cherish the time we spent together."

She sees the autopsy of the animals as their final message, from which their keepers can learn how to provide better care for the surviving animals at the zoo.