The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has euthanized one of its oldest residents, a grizzly bear named Skoki, after his health declined with age.

The zoo said its Animal Care, Health and Welfare team made the “compassionate decision” to euthanize the male bear, who had lived at the facility since 1996. At 35 years old, he was considered “very geriatric” for his species.

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Born in Banff National Park and once known as “Grizzly Bear #16,” Skoki was relocated several times by Parks Canada after repeatedly seeking food in populated areas. When those efforts failed, he was transferred to the zoo.

“In recent years, he received attentive, supportive care — including pain management, diet adjustments and habitat modifications — to ensure his comfort during his golden years,” the zo

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