Elderly and beloved polar bear Boris humanely euthanized

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that our beloved and elderly polar bear Boris was humanely euthanized this morning after a significant decline in his health. At 34, Boris was likely the oldest male polar bear on the planet. He had far surpassed the median life expectancy of 23.4 years for male polar bears in human care (15-18 years in the wild). In late 2017, Boris became a medical pioneer when stem cells grown from his own fat tissue were used in an attempt to help treat his arthritis.
Rescued from a traveling circus 18 years ago, Boris found a stable and caring home in Tacoma, where he was loved and revered by our staff and community. Our experienced veterinary and animal care teams played a huge role in giving Boris a healthy and comfortable life, providing the geriatric polar bear with compassionate and attentive care every day. Boris was an amazing ambassador for his endangered species and will be deeply missed.
pdza.org/farewell-boris

[@hayreddinbarbarossa661]

Loosing an animal friend is always heartbreaking. Thoughts are with you from Australia.

[@brendawetzelgrubbs4743]

My 💔...prayers for Keepers and Veterinarian staff. Boris was loved...

[@crimsonstang]

He and ET were two very special friends of mine growing up. They will both be missed.

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

What a beautiful, beloved boy! St. Francis and the Angels have surrounded him with love and joy. He rests with his friends forever.

[@kerris629]

Rest well, Boris. You will be missed. Love & good vibes to the keepers who just lost a fuzzy buddy. 💚

[@stevenatkinson6751]

Thinking of my friends at PDZA today and in particular the Arctic Tundra keeper staff. You guys are amazing and I’m so very sorry for your loss.

[@isadurni]

Thank you, Boris for your patience and generosity in helping humans understand your species and how our actions affect your environment and life. So happy to know you were here to share your gentle intelligence with us all.

[@mortalclown3812]

Rest in paradise, dear Boris. I know your keepers adored you so.

[@peanutbrain4187]

rest easy boris 😔

[@KingAmroth]

Why are there so many onions in my room all of a sudden.

[@benjaminfarias9169]

He's swimmin in the clouds now 😭

[@anthonyanimal9751]

We were just there today wondering where the bears were. Farewell My friend, I hope Blizzard's okay

[@davidsiler5505]

👋🏻😪