‘See you on the other side’: 25-year-old grizzly bear euthanized at Toronto Zoo
Posted April 13, 2023 3:17 pm.
Last Updated April 13, 2023 10:14 pm.
A sad week for everyone who works at the Toronto Zoo after they said goodbye to Samson, a 25-year-old grizzly bear who lived at the zoo for 24 years.
After waking up from hibernation this year, the Toronto Zoo says it was apparent Samson’s progressive arthritis was getting worse. On Monday, the decision was made to euthanize the grizzly bear to end his suffering.
“With him relying so heavily on pain management medication, the decision to humanely euthanize him was made quickly and unanimously among his care team so as not to prolong any suffering,” a zoo spokesperson said.
“Our hearts go out to all those who had the privilege of working with him during his many years at our zoo. He will be missed dearly.”
To celebrate Samson’s spirit and the importance of the bear to Indigenous people, a special ceremony was held in his honour.
“Samson was present, and the ceremony conductors gave him a cedar bath. Tsimshian People are from the Northwest coast of British Columbia and hold very strong connections to Grizzlies,” the Toronto Zoo said in a news release.
“We felt it was important to have this representation and are honoured to have them with us for the ceremony.”
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Samson was six months old when he arrived at the Toronto Zoo in 1998. He was born in Alaska, found wandering with no mother and undernourished. The zoo said despite Samson’s impressive size of just over 1,000 pounds, he was unique and gentle while being recognized for his intelligence and motivation to learn.
“While it is hard to say goodbye, there is comfort in knowing this voluntary participation means he experienced minimal stress or discomfort,” the zoo said.
“The Canadian Domain Wildlife Care staff were by his side and exchanged many stories about Samson’s life here at the Toronto Zoo while he enjoyed honey, his favourite treat.”
