Update: Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo details Koda the grizzly bear’s medical condition

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 has now confirmed that Koda had a large tumour pressing on his upper spine.

Koda received daily visual health checks from his animal care team and was monitored regularly by veterinary professionals. His last full veterinary examination under anesthesia was completed in June 2024. At that time, there were no clinical signs of the tumour or a condition affecting his spine.

Full examinations for the Zoo’s grizzly bears are typically completed every two to three years, unless an animal’s health or behaviour indicates that an earlier examination is needed. Due to the tumour’s location, it would have required advanced diagnostic imaging, such as a CT scan, to be detected.

When changes in Koda’s condition were observed, animal care and veterinary staff responded promptly and closely assessed his comfort and quality of life. The tumour’s size and location meant it was not surgically treatable. While this finding is difficult, it provides further context for Koda’s recent decline in health and confirms that the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him was made with his comfort and quality of life as the priority.

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is grateful to the animal care and veterinary professionals who provided Koda with knowledgeable, dedicated and compassionate care throughout his life.

To learn more about Koda’s life, legacy and the original announcement from the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, read the original news release: Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo mourns the loss of Koda the grizzly bear