2026On August 31st, a 24-year-old male Ezo brown bear, Moko, passed away.

Since around 2019, he has frequently been suffering from lameness due to arthropathy and spondylosis, and we have been taking time off from work and taking medication to monitor his progress.

During the winter of 2025, I spent a lot of time fiddling with things and went to sleep.

Since March 2026, he has been unable to stand up, and after treatment and treatment for pressure ulcers, he was able to stand up on March 25th, and has since gradually recovered.

In May, he was released in a sub-paddock, and in July, after consulting with a veterinarian, he was able to recover to the point where he was able to be rehabilitated and released in the zoo.

At the park, Moko played with her beloved Mitt, ate delicious food such as watermelon, and followed Moko's pace and will.

On August 2nd, due to a fight with another individual, he became unable to stand and became bedridden again.

We continued to treat him by placing mats to prevent pressure ulcers and changing his medication, but his hind legs became almost completely paralyzed, and the pressure ulcers progressed rapidly, including necrosis of the muscle tissue.

All the staff members discussed that even if the treatment continues, there is no hope of recovery and Moko will continue to suffer, and Moko will not be able to live like Moko.

Although it was a difficult decision, we have decided to perform euthanasia.

An autopsy was performed immediately after the procedure, and severe spondylosis was confirmed.

He has a large body and a strong presence, and spends his time with his good friends Mitt and the late Ataro.

He was a gluttonous and kind bear who listened carefully to what the staff had to say.

Thank you for supporting and loving Moco, who has worked hard at Bear Mountain for a long time. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the staff.

September 6, 2026

Currently at our facilityThere are nine Ezo brown bears in captivity.