ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Seneca Park Zoo officials announced Wednesday morning that Aurora, the 28-year-old female polar bear, has died.

Dr. Louis DiVincenti, the zoo's director of animal health and conservation, performed a necropsy, which revealed Aurora had a deteriorating liver and compromised gall bladder.

"The loss of such a beloved animal is difficult for the entire zoo family," zoo direct Larry Sorel said in a statement. "Aurora captured the hearts of staff and guests alike. She will be deeply missed."

Aurora was born at Utah's Hogle Zoo in 1989 and arrived in Seneca Park in 1991.

Female polar bears have a median life expectancy of 24 years in human care — Aurora exceeded that number.

During her time at the zoo, Aurora gave birth to four offspring; three females and one male who now reside in zoos in Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee and Colorado.