Regarding the euthanasia of Hokkaido Brown Bear "Pon"

As previously announced, Pon (male), Hokkaido Brown Bear kept at the "Bear Hill" area in East Garden, was suffering from arthritis, chronic pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other ailments.

Up until now, we have strived to provide treatment and reduce suffering to maintain the quality of life (QOL), but we have determined that recovery is not expected and that the suffering will only increase in the future. Therefore, although it is with great regret, we have reluctantly decided to perform euthanasia, and we are reporting this to you.

Treatment history to date

In May 2026, the patient developed increased eye discharge, conjunctival edema, and redness, and treatment with eye drops was initiated. Regarding the patient's overall condition, a decrease in vitality was observed. The patient had been receiving low-dose steroid treatment previously, and although the steroid dosage was increased, there was no response.

On June 1st, blood tests, ultrasound examinations, and X-ray examinations were performed under anesthesia, but no results were obtained that could help identify the cause of the decreased vitality. Subsequently, treatment was attempted with multiple antibiotics, analgesics, gastric mucosal protectants, and heart failure medications, but the symptoms worsened.

We have decided to suspend the exhibit from June 3rd and allow the animal to rest indoors. Initially, the animal ate its daily amount of food in multiple portions, but gradually it stopped eating anything other than its favorite foods.

On June 8th, oral administration of medication became difficult, so we started administering it via blowgun. Although it still ate its favorite fish like horse mackerel, it gradually became unable to eat solid food.

From June 18th, we tried to feed Pon paste and liquid food at times when he seemed willing to eat, while observing his reactions. However, the amount he was able to consume decreased day by day, and by June 27th, he stopped eating anything other than water, and his overall condition worsened.

Decision and implementation of euthanasia

On June 29, 2026, the medication treatment given up to that point had not shown any improvement in her condition. Her appetite had disappeared, her physical strength had deteriorated significantly, and she was unable to stand. Pressure sores had begun to form on her elbows and other areas, and her overall condition was steadily worsening. She no longer had the physical strength to withstand any further detailed examinations or treatments.

After reviewing the current situation and future prospects, it was determined that it would be impossible to alleviate the current suffering through treatment, and that the suffering would likely increase. Therefore, considering animal welfare for "Pon," it was decided that euthanasia would be the appropriate course of action to avoid prolonging his futile suffering. Based on this decision, euthanasia was performed in a manner that took the utmost care to ensure that "Pon" did not experience any pain.

Future Plans

After treatment, we promptly perform an autopsy to investigate the lesions and other conditions. The valuable information obtained from the autopsy will be used to improve veterinary medicine in the future in order to save more animals.
　
We are deeply saddened to have to deliver this news, and we hope you will understand.

If you wish to offer flowers, we kindly ask that you enter the zoo and place them yourself on the table in front of the memorial. Ueno Zoo respectfully declines the offering of items or food to deceased animals, considering hygiene and the potential impact on wildlife. Thank you for your understanding.

As of June 29, 2026, Ueno Ueno Zoo does not keep Hokkaido Brown Bear.