Rosy, the striped skunk that called the third floor of Science North home, passed away Feb. 14.

Staff found the skunk dead in her habitat. She was almost eight years old.

A necropsy will be conducted to determine the cause of her death, a media release from Science North stated.

Rosy came to Science North in 2009 when Storybook Gardens in London downsized its animal collection.

The skunk was born and raised in captivity in Alberta before being adopted by Storybook Gardens. Since she wasn't a candidate for release into the wild, Science North welcomed her with open arms.

“Since 2009, Rosy has brought joy to thousands of visitors from around the world,” Science North stated. “She also played a key role in educating the public about her species, and the importance of keeping wild animals in their natural habitat.”

During her time at Science North, Rosy even got to do a bit of acting, playing the role of a wild skunk in Science North's production of Wildfires! A Firefighting Adventure.

“Rosy will be greatly missed, and forever remembered fondly, by her friends at Science North,” a media release stated.

“She will be cremated and her ashes spread in her favourite walking places on the Science North grounds outside the third floor.”

For more information about the beloved ambassador Rosy, visit sciencenorth.ca/Rosy.