DULUTH  (AP) - The Lake Superior Zoo says it has lost several animals in the damaging flood waters.

A zoo spokeswoman says a "beloved" donkey named Ashley died as well as sheep and goats in the zoo's barnyard area. Parts of the zoo were under water, including the train depot.

The flooding enabled the zoo's polar bear, Berlin, to escape her exhibit. Police spokesman Jim Hansen says officers helped zoo staff track down the bear overnight. It was tranquilized and returned to its cage. Hansen says even though a big, white object might be easy to find in the dark, it was still unnerving for the officers.

The zoo says no animals escaped the perimeter.

YouTube video of some of the rushing water:

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved)

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