Toronto Zoo says goodbye to 25-year-old resident Grizzly bear, Samson

A long-time Toronto Zoo resident is being remembered by fans and staff after he was sadly euthanized this week.

Samson was a 25-year-old Grizzly bear, and lived at the zoo for almost his entire life.

He arrived at the Toronto Zoo on September 22, 1998, at around six-months-old. Born in Alaska, he was found by officials wandering with no mother and undernourished.

“Despite his impressive size (just over 1,000 lbs) he was an amazing and gentle bear, and his keepers were constantly impressed by his intelligence and motivation when training for new behaviours,” said the zoo. “He seemed to enjoy his one-on-one time with the Wildlife Care staff, which led to a high level of trust and a bond that made caring for him a privilege.”

However, after waking up from hibernation this year, it was “apparent Samson was experiencing stiffness and discomfort from progressive arthritic changes to his hips and knees.”

Samson was relying heavily on pain management medication, so the decision to humanely euthanize him was made in order to not prolong his suffering.

“Our hearts go out to all those who had the privilege of working with him during his many years at our Zoo. He will be missed dearly,” the zoo added in a statement.

Before they said farewell, his keepers gave him a special meal of all his favourite foods.

“Samson’s connection to his keepers was apparent even in his final moments. After enjoying a special meal of salmon, watermelon, and berries, he voluntarily presented his hip and shoulder for his last anaesthetic injection from the veterinary team, just as he had practiced daily for most of his life,” explained the zoo.

“While it is hard to say goodbye, there is comfort in knowing this voluntary participation means he experienced minimal stress or discomfort.”

A ceremony was also put together to honour Samson’s spirit by the zoo’s Indigenous relations team. The ceremony was based on Anishnaabe and Tsimshian teachings, using various medicines, pipe ceremony and songs. Samson was present, and the ceremony conductors gave him a cedar bath. Tsimshian People are from the Northwest coast of British Columbia and hold very strong connections to Grizzlies.

“The Knowledge Keepers shared during the ceremony that this is not a goodbye to Samson, but rather a temporary parting as we will see him on the other side,” the zoo added.