A RECORD-breaking black bear from Dudley Zoo is continuing to help the conservation and welfare of her species.

Inca, an Asiatic black bear, died earlier this year aged 38-years-old, making her the oldest known moon bear in Europe.

The much-loved bear outlived the average life expectancy for her species by a decade.

Now, she is continuing to help research into her species as her remains have been requested by the Department of Natural Sciences at the National Museums Scotland for research purposes.

Inca's skin, skeleton and a sample of muscle tissue has been added to a UK network of zoological biobanks, so researchers from around the world can extract DNA and examine pathogens.

Her larynx has also been preserved and sent on loan to Vienna University as a part of a study into the variety and functioning of mammalian larynges.

Inca will also contribute to a new research project looking at the evolution of teeth, jaws and guts among carnivorous mammals, alongside a bear study on skeletal diseases in captive mammals.

Richard Brown, curator at Dudley Zoo, said: “Inca was very special to DZG and we were overwhelmed with the hundreds of kind messages we received following her passing. We are very proud she is now able to be part of such important projects to benefit the conservation, welfare and health of wild and captive animals, which reinforces the zoo’s commitment to education and research.”