A Slumbering Grizzly Bear Father - Kapap is resting peacefully, fast asleep.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Zoo Karlsruhe has announced the euthanization of their male polar bear, Kap. Kap, who was considered one of the most genetically valuable bears in the European Endangered Species Program (EEP), had been living at the zoo for the past few years.
Kap, who came to Karlsruhe in 2001 as a young bear from Moscow, had previously lived in zoos in Neumünster and Hamburg. He was well-known for fathering offspring, including Mika, who was born to Kap and Nuka in Karlsruhe in 2019. Mika has since become a popular attraction among zoo visitors, being visible to them since spring this year.
Zoo director Matthias Reinschmidt described Kap as a "charismatic bear" and had speculated in a podcast that Kap might father more offspring. However, Kap's health had been deteriorating in recent days, with him experiencing problems walking. Examinations under anesthesia could not provide a clear diagnosis for Kap's health issue.
In late May, Kap's overall condition suddenly worsened, and no positive prognosis was found. As a result, the difficult decision was made to euthanize Kap. During an examination under anesthesia, Kap's liver values worsened, and ultrasound showed larger changes in the gallbladder and liver.
Despite the sad news, Kap's legacy lives on. In 2022, at the Tierpark Hagenbeck, the female polar bear Anouk was born to Kap. Kap was indeed one of the most genetically valuable bears in the EEP, and his contribution to the conservation of the endangered species will be remembered.
The results of the autopsy performed on Kap's body may provide more information about the cause of his death. However, as of now, the exact cause remains unknown. The zoo has not yet released any official statement regarding the autopsy results.
The loss of Kap is a significant one for the Zoo Karlsruhe and for polar bear enthusiasts worldwide. Kap's charisma and contributions to the conservation of the species will be missed. Our thoughts are with the staff at the Zoo Karlsruhe during this difficult time.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Kap's death and the autopsy results, we recommend checking official announcements from Karlsruhe Zoo or credible news outlets.
The Commission communication on the future of the European Union could discuss potential investments in science and research, aiming to develop treatments for medical-conditions like chronic diseases. Such advancements in health-and-wellness could help improve the cardiovascular-health of animals like Kap, the polar bear from Karlsruhe Zoo, who passed away. Additionally, focusing on fitness-and-exercise and mental-health initiatives might have extended Kap's life, considering his charismatic personality and the immense contribution he made in the conservation of endangered species.
