According to an update from the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo, Koda the grizzly bear was humanely euthanized because animal care and veterinary teams observed changes that raised concern about a possible spinal injury.

A post-mortem examination confirmed that Koda had a large tumour pressing on his upper spine. Because of the tumour’s size and location, the Zoo’s veterinary team decided it was not surgically treatable, leading to the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him with his comfort and quality of life as the priority. Due to the tumour’s location, it would have required advanced diagnostic imaging, such as a C-T scan, to be detected.

Koda was initially observed to have undergone a sharp health decline and that his quality of life was declining significantly. His last full veterinary examination under anesthesia was completed in June, 2024 – at which time there were no clinical signs of the tumour or a condition affecting his spine. The Zoo said Koda received daily visual health checks from his animal care team and was monitored regularly by veterinary professionals.