The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo is saying goodbye to one of its most beloved animals, Koda the grizzly bear. In a media release, the zoo says it’s “deeply saddened to announce that Koda, one of the zoo’s most recognized animals, was humanely euthanized following a recent decline in his health.” The zoo says before Koda’s passing, “the Zoo’s animal care and veterinary teams observed changes that raised concern about a possible spinal injury.” A post-mortem examination confirmed Koda had a large tumour pressing on his upper spine, and the tumour’s size and location meant it was not surgically treatable. “This was an exceptionally difficult decision for the entire animal care team,” said zoo manager Jeff Mitchell. “Koda was deeply cared for by the staff who worked with him every day. Our priority was to make the most compassionate decision for him.” Koda called the Saskatoon Zoo home for almost two decades. After being rescued as an orphaned cup in the Jasper area, he was nurtured at the Edmonton Valley Zoo before being paired with fellow grizzly bear Mistaya at the Calgary Zoo. The brothers were transferred to Saskatoon, where they spent the past 18 years together. “For many visitors and staff, Koda will be remembered for the joyful moments he shared with his brother, Mistaya, from playful wrestling and splashing in the pool to foraging together in their habitat,” the zoo said in the release. Last year the zoo held a 20th birthday celebration for the bears, with thousands of visitors attending for cake and celebrations. The zoo says it was an opportunity to recognize the bears for how much they meant to both staff and visitors. The zoo says animal care specialists remember Koda’s enthusiasm for training sessions, and how he’d check Mistaya’s feeding areas after his meals, in case his brother left food behind. The specialists will continue to monitor Mistaya closely following his brother’s death. They’ll watch his behaviour and overall well-being, making changes if needed as he adjusts. Visitors are invited to sign a memorial card for Koda. It’ll be available at the Kinsmen Bear Habitat at the zoo later this week. Earlier this summer the zoo had to euthanize another of it’s longest-tenured animals, 19-year-old snow leopard Kazi, due to declining health.
