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World's oldest brown bear dies at St. Petersburg zoo

Varvara was 35, which is considered a record age for a brown bear

ST.PETERSBURG, October 22. /TASS/. World's oldest brown bear has died at the age of 35 in St.Petersburg, Russia's second largest city, the local zoo said on Wednesday.

Varvara, a female bear, was born in the zoo in 1979. According to a zoo spokesperson, 35 years is considered a record age for a brown bear. The medium life span for brown bears in the wild is 15-20 years.

"Animals live longer in zoos where they are exposed to no dangers, enjoy diverse food options and good healthcare," the spokesperson said. "No zoo is known to have a brown bear older than Varvara," she added.

Varvara and her male partner Minya gave birth to 29 cubs.