Necropsy Updates for Beloved Aging Grizzlies

Following the recent passings of our senior grizzly bears, ‘Skoki’ and ‘Khutzeymateen’ (‘Khutzey’), our Animal Health team conducted necropsies, with follow up testing as indicated, to better understand their health and aging processes — a standard practice whenever an animal in our care passes away.

The pathology results on Skoki revealed he had developed pancreatic cancer with associated abdominal inflammation. Multiple age-related degenerative changes also were present, including moderate to marked spinal and limb arthritis, mild kidney disease, arteriosclerosis, and prostate changes.

Khutzey’s necropsy revealed moderate to marked degenerative osteoarthritis affecting her feet, multiple joints, and her spine, along with decreased muscling and early kidney disease.

Both bears lived remarkably long lives, far surpassing the average life expectancy of 20–25 years seen in the wild, or the median life expectancy of 22-27 years under human care — each reaching an incredible 35 years under human care. Their longevity is a true reflection of the dedication, expertise, and attentive care provided by our Animal Care, Health & Welfare team, who ensured they received individualized care that prioritized their comfort and well-being through every stage of their journey.

Losing long-term residents like Skoki and Khutzey is always difficult, but their stories are also reminders of the incredible care and commitment that define our work every day.

Thank you to everyone who played a part in their lives, and to all who continue to act with such heart for the animals we are privileged to care for.