The Oklahoma City Zoo reported the passing of Will, a 22-year-old American grizzly bear that had been suffering from health issues. KOCO confirmed that Will was euthanized in his den at the zoo's Big Rivers habitat on Wednesday after a series of medical interventions failed to improve his condition.
According to KFOR, “Will had been living with arthritis for several years, managed with supportive medications and close veterinary care. Two weeks ago, our animal care team observed weakness in his right hind leg.” Despite treatments, his mobility declined significantly, and his condition continued to worsen.
Will, a bear at the Oklahoma City Zoo, was euthanized after his health declined. "Veterinary staff suspected a neurological issue affecting his lower spine and initiated appropriate treatments," but a postmortem exam showed he had spinal disc disease that compressed his spinal cord and caused weakness. "These decisions are never easy," Dr. Cole said, "but the findings affirm that it was the most humane choice for Will," as mentioned by FOX23. Will and his brother Wiley were brought to the zoo in 2003 after being rescued from the Alaskan wilderness when their mother was killed. They were named by the public as part of Operation Bear Care.
