Toronto Zoo announces death of grizzly bear who will be 'missed dearly'

Samson was a gentle, intelligent grizzly bear, the Toronto Zoo said in a press statement. Source: Toronto Zoo

The Toronto Zoo is saying goodbye to one of its longtime residents.

Samson the grizzly bear died on April 10, the zoo said in a Thursday press release. Samson suffered from extreme arthritis, which after his most recent hibernation, led zoo staff to make the tough call to humanely euthanize him. He was presented with a special meal of salmon, berries, honey and watermelon just before he died in the care of his handlers. 

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

The zoo honoured Samson with a special ceremony based on Anishinaabe and Tsimshian teachings, citing the importance of grizzly bears in multiple Indigenous cultures.

Originally from Alaska, Samson arrived at the Toronto Zoo in 1998 as a six-month-old cub. He was soon joined at the zoo by Shintay, a female grizzly bear, with whom he enjoyed running around and wrestling for toys.

At just over 1,000 pounds, Samson is remembered as a gentle, intelligent bear who had a deep bond with the wildlife care staff at the Toronto Zoo.