Brown Bear at Taipei Zoo

The Taipei Zoo community is mourning the loss of 'Little Chiao', a female brown bear who had been a cherished resident for nearly two decades. The decision to euthanize the bear, estimated to be at least 24 years old, was made after medical staff confirmed the recurrence of a mammary tumor. This difficult choice followed a comprehensive animal welfare assessment, which included advanced imaging tests.

Little Chiao's health had been deteriorating rapidly. Zoo staff had observed a constellation of concerning symptoms, including dyspnea, lethargy, anorexia, and inflammation at the site of a previous surgical intervention. Preliminary diagnoses of samples taken from the swelling on her lower abdomen indicated malignant tumor cells. More alarmingly, imaging revealed that lung metastasis lesions had expanded significantly since March.

The zoo's veterinary team concluded that continuing treatment would necessitate another invasive mammary tumor removal surgery. However, given the bear's progressively worsening pulmonary condition, such a procedure was deemed unfeasible and unlikely to maintain an acceptable quality of life for the animal. After careful deliberation, the animal welfare assessment team reached the consensus that euthanasia was the most humane course of action.

Little Chiao's journey to Taipei Zoo began in 2006 when she was rescued after being abandoned by a circus. Over the years, she endeared herself to staff and visitors alike with her vibrant personality, often seen engaging in activities such as swimming, digging, and exploring her habitat with evident enthusiasm.