At Como Zoo in Saint Paul, Minnesota, keepers and veterinary staff responded to the declining health of a polar bear, who was humanely euthanized in December 2024 after multiple rounds of intensive medical care failed to restore normal function and quality of life. The animal, a 29-year-old female named Mana, had shown progressive signs of systemic illness and age-related complications. The zoo activated its emergency protocols, consulted off-site specialists, and coordinated with animal care and welfare partners to ensure every reasonable treatment option was pursued before the difficult decision to euthanize was made.
Key Facts and Timeline
Event Sequence
- Late 2024: Mana began showing significant health decline, including reduced appetite, lethargy, and abnormal bloodwork.
- December 2024: After extensive diagnostics and therapeutic interventions, the zoo determined her prognosis was poor and she was humanely euthanized.
- Postmortem: A full necropsy was conducted by a board-certified veterinary pathologist to clarify the underlying cause and inform future care practices.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Animal | Mana, female polar bear | Zoo identification record |
| Age at death | 29 years | Zoo reported age |
| Date of euthanasia | December 2024 | Official zoo statement |
| Location | Como Zoo and Conservatory, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA | Public records and zoo communication |
| Follow-up | Full necropsy performed | Zoo veterinary report |
Polar Bear Care at Accredited Zoos
Health Monitoring and Welfare Standards
Como Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Polar Bear Species Survival Plan (SSP), which sets rigorous standards for animal care, housing, nutrition, and medical management. Regular health checks, preventive medicine, and advanced diagnostics are routine. When an animal shows serious or persistent health issues, keepers and veterinarians explore all treatment options, including medications, supportive care, and, when appropriate, advanced imaging and surgical consultation.
Euthanasia Decisions
Euthanasia is considered only when an animal’s quality of life is severely compromised and no reasonable treatment can restore acceptable welfare. Decisions are made by the animal care team in consultation with off-site experts and follow AZA guidelines, which emphasize minimizing suffering and prioritizing animal well-being. The process is deliberate, documented, and reviewed to ensure it aligns with best practices.
What Happens After a Death
Necropsy and Learning
A necropsy, analogous to an autopsy in humans, provides critical information about disease processes, age-related changes, and underlying conditions that may not have been fully understood during the animal’s life. Results help zoos refine preventive care, adjust habitat management, and share findings with the conservation community. Como Zoo communicated transparently with the public and committed to using lessons from Mana’s case to strengthen ongoing animal care programs.
Community and Conservation Context
Como Zoo contributes to polar bear conservation through research partnerships, educational programs, and participation in coordinated breeding and research initiatives. While the loss of an individual is significant, such events are incorporated into long-term population management plans that aim to sustain healthy, genetically diverse populations. The zoo continues to care for its remaining animals and to engage the public in understanding Arctic species challenges.
Clarifying Common Questions
- Why was euthanasia necessary? Euthanasia was pursued only after all reasonable treatments were exhausted and the animal’s long-term prognosis indicated poor quality of life.
- Did the zoo follow best practices? Yes, the care team followed AZA standards, consulted external specialists, and documented every step of the process.
- What is being learned from this case? A necropsy can reveal insights that help improve preventive medicine and care protocols for other polar bears in human care.
- What about future polar bears at Como Zoo? The zoo remains committed to conservation education and will continue to care for existing animals under AZA guidance.
Comparing Wild and Managed Polar Bear Lifespans
With managed care and advanced veterinary support, some zoo polar bears have lived into their late 20s, depending on genetics, environment, and medical access. In the wild, polar bears typically live 15 to 18 years, with fewer individuals reaching their early 20s due to challenges such as food scarcity, climate impacts, and human activity. The table below contrasts key metrics between wild and zoo populations.
| Metric | Wild Polar Bear | Managed Zoo Polar Bear |
|---|---|---|
| Average lifespan | 15–18 years | Up to late 20s in some cases |
| Primary causes of mortality | Starvation, climate-driven habitat loss, human conflict | Age-related illness, managed medical conditions, injury |
| Access to veterinary care | Limited to none | Regular checkups and advanced treatment available |
| Conservation role | Keystone species in Arctic ecosystems | Ambassadorial role and participation in SSP programs |
Takeaway
The death of Mana at Como Zoo reflects the complex realities of caring for long-lived Arctic species in human care. It underscores the importance of rigorous health monitoring, transparent communication, and evidence-based decision-making in modern zoological institutions committed to both animal welfare and conservation education.