The last remaining grey wolf at the Assiniboine Park Zoo has died.
Bear, who was almost 15, showed signs earlier this week that one of his legs was injured.
"Sadly, it was confirmed his leg was broken," said the Zoo in a post on Facebook. "While the cause is unknown, older animals – like older humans – can experience loss of strength, mobility, balance, vision, and hearing over time, all of which can make them more susceptible to injury from stumbles or falls."
Due to his age, the zoo says that resetting his broken leg was not an option.
"It was determined that euthanasia was the most compassionate and humane course of action given Bear’s advanced age and overall condition," said the Assinibonie Park Zoo. "Such decisions are always difficult and made very carefully."
The Zoo says that Bear was a caring member of his pack.
"When his care team would offer food in boxes or paper bags for enrichment, Bear would often grab one and carry it out – like a little lunch bag – to share with the other wolves. When his last brother, Jack, began to experience health issues, Bear demonstrated great concern and was always watching over him."
Bear was part of a pack of five wolves that arrived at the zoo in 2014. They started in the Wapusk habitat in Journey to Churchill before moving into the Grasslands and Boreal Forest section in 2018.
"It was our privilege to care for them into their golden years and Bear’s loss will be felt deeply by those who loved him."
The zoo is now working to acquire new wolves and will share an update soon.