Murray Wood: Reflections on a Rider loss that should have been a win.
If bad teams find a way to lose and good teams find a way to win, Murray Wood wonders why a good team sometimes finds a ...
The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is mourning the loss of one of its grizzly bears.
According to the City of Saskatoon, grizzly bear Koda was euthanized recently after his health declined.
Read more:
- Death of a snow leopard: Saskatoon Forestry Farm says goodbye to Kazi after five years
- Grizzly bear attack in B.C. area leaves 72-year-old woman with serious injuries
- Grinder, one of two ‘beloved’ grizzly bears at Grouse Mountain Resort, dies
“This was an exceptionally difficult decision for the entire animal care team,” zoo manager Jeff Mitchell said in a statement.
“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, guided by his welfare and quality of life.”
Koda was found as an orphaned cub in the Jasper area, the city said, and was taken in at the Edmonton Valley Zoo before he was transferred – along with his brother Mistaya – to Saskatoon.
Zoo manager Jeff Mitchell described the decision to euthanize Koda as “exceptionally difficult”. (City of Saskatoon/Submitted)
“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 city added.
“The Zoo’s celebration of the bears’ 20th birthday last year was a special opportunity to recognize Koda and the place he held in the hearts of staff and visitors.”
Koda’s keepers will remember his enthusiasm for training sessions and his habit of checking his brother’s feeding area for leftovers after each meal.
Animal care specialists will monitor Mistaya closely, following the death of his brother Koda. (City of Saskatoon/Submitted)
“Throughout his life, Koda was an important ambassador for his species, helping visitors connect with the importance of wildlife conservation, habitat protection and responsible human-wildlife interactions,” the city said.
“Community members are invited to sign a memorial card for Koda, which will be available at the Kinsmen Bear Habitat later this week.”
The grizzly’s death follows the June death of Kazi, the zoo’s resident snow leopard, which was also euthanized following a decline in health.
