Page 16 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 National Polar Bear Day brings back fond memories of “Major” – still everybody’s favorite at Stone Zoo N ational Polar Bear Day is observed on February 27. It is a day to learn more about polar bears and conservation eff orts where they are concerned. It is also a day for many long-standing supporters of Stone Zoo to recall fond memories of everybody’s favorite polar bear – “Major” – who was adored by tens of thousands of visitors during his 25 years at the zoo. He was euthanized in June of 2000 at the age of 33 after zoo offi cials discovered he was suff ering from advanced liver cancer and determined that nothing more could be done to restore his health. It was, indeed, a very sad day for all who just assumed he would live much longer. Major was captured in Siberia in 1966 and moved to the Worcester Science Center (now EcoTarium) in 1971 before being transferred in 1975 to Stone Zoo. He soon became the star attraction – weighing about 900 pounds and standing over 8 feet tall – and lived to be the oldest known polar bear in captivity. Zoo supporters might recall the many birthday celebrations held each January in his honor. Often very cold temperatures and snowy conditions did not deter his legion of stanch admirers from bestowing gifts and participating in the wide variety of activities around his exhibit area. They crafted and displayed handmade cards, created ice sculptures, interacted with costumed cartoon characters, enjoyed face painting, celebrity appearances, radio station giveaways and much more. However, the highlight of the annual “bash” – in addition to the gigantic birthday cake for the guests – was always the excitement of watching the “birthday boy” dive into his icy pool to fetch his gift from his dedicated keepers. It was a hearty fi sh-sicle! Crowds of well-wishers enthusiastically belted out “Happy Birthday” as the grand fi nale to a fun-fi lled family event coordinated by Friends of Stone Zoo African-American History Month volunteers, staff , area businesses and zoo fans of all ages. Major’s presence at the zoo is still greatly missed every day. We all agree that the memory of Major as well as the history of Stone Zoo deserve to be kept alive. Upon his death, the National Coalition for Educational and Cultural Programs, Inc. (NCECP), a nonprofi t educational organization, partnered with (then) Stoneham Savings Bank to establish the “Major, the Polar Bear” Scholarship. The award ensures that his impact is not forgotten while encouraging higher education in the areas of nature, science or conservation with a community service requirement. NCECP has a longstanding record of accomplishment since 1991 in the areas of education, environment, community service and involvement with Stone Zoo. The fi rst award was made in June of 2001 and has continued each year thanks to the support of the Salem Five Bank Foundation and the generosity of many individuals. As a result, the award has been inARBOR DAY | FROM PAGE 8 more. Second Place, Third Place, and Honorable Mention winners will also receive art and science supplies. “The Arbor Day Poster Contest is a good chance for students to creatively express what they’ve learned,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeff rey Riley. “I hope that many of our fi fth grade artists, scientists, activists, and arborists take the challenge.” This year’s theme, “Trees Please” is designed to highlight the importance of trees within Massachusetts’s communities and diverse landscapes creased to $1,000 annually to a deserving high school graduate. Help is always still both needed and greatly appreciated to sustain this scholarship for years to come. Checks in any amount should be made payable to “Major” Scholarship and mailed to NCECP, PO Box 80255, Stoneham, MA 02180. Every donation is acknowledged personally with a card bearing an image of Major (suitable for framing). NCECP still has a limited supply of “vintage” boxed note cards available for any donation of $25 or more. There are 10 blank cards (with envelopes) with two each of fi ve diff erent images of Major printed with soybean-based ink on recycled paper. Graduating seniors from any town in Massachusetts are encouraged to apply for this scholarship via www.ncecp.org or emailing info@ncecp.org for details. A “Future Educator Scholarship” application is also available via the same website. The deadline for both applications is May 26. (Photo credit: Clark Quin) throughout the state. Additionally, the Arbor Day Poster Contest combines both art and science in order to instill the vital role trees have on the public’s daily lives. The DCR Urban and Community Forestry Program, with support from the U.S. Forest Service, sponsors the annual contest for fi fth-graders across the Commonwealth. Posters must be submitted by March 15 and the contest is open to all students currently enrolled in the fi fth grade. An Arbor Day Poster Contest Guide is available on the DCR website or can be obtained by contacting Mollie Freilicher at 413-577-2966 or mollie.freilicher@mass.gov.
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