One of two resident grizzly bears at Grouse Mountain has sadly passed away.
Grinder, who has been a familiar face for guests for 25 years, experienced a rapid decline in mobility over the past several weeks, Grouse Mountain Resort said.
“With Grinder’s welfare always the highest priority, the difficult decision was made to provide him with a peaceful and humane passing in the habitat he called home,” it said.
Veterinarian Dr. Ken Macquisten, who took care of Grinder since the bear was a cub, said saying goodbye to Grinder has been heartbreaking.
“It is a decision that was made with the utmost care and consideration for the grizzly bear millions of people have come to know and love,” said Macquisten.
“It has been a privilege for our team to care for Grinder over the past 25 years, and while we will miss him deeply, we take comfort in knowing his legacy will live on through his impact as an ambassador for wildlife conservation.”
Grinder has lived at Grouse Mountain since being found orphaned as a cub in Invermere in 2001. Long-time companion Coola arrived the same year. Together, the grizzlies became two of the attraction’s most recognizable residents.
Coola remains healthy and is doing well, the resort says.
“Following Grinder’s passing, Coola was given supervised access to him before Grinder was removed from the habitat, a practice widely used at many accredited zoological facilities to help animals recognize the loss of a companion,” it said.
“The wildlife team will continue to closely monitor Coola and provide him with the highest standard of care.”
