Oakland Zoo euthanizes orphaned Tahoe bear cub
Nixon, an 8-month-old orphaned bear cub found in South Lake Tahoe last week, died Monday evening after 10 days of extensive treatment at Oakland Zoo.
The severity of Nixon’s medical issues progressed over his 10-day stay at the zoo’s hospital. He suffered from a significant immunosuppressive disorder with symptoms that included severe pneumonia and a fungal infection that covered his body, Oakland Zoo wrote in a tweet.
Oakland Zoo wrote that euthanization was “the most humane choice to end Nixon’s suffering.”
Nixon had been given special baths to treat a severe skin infection; pneumonia; as well as antibiotics and antifungals to treat a viral infection, internal parasites, and an infected bone in his left foot that inhibited his walking. He had also been kept warm with heat lamps due to his lack of fur.
Oakland Zoo wrote that euthanization was “the most humane choice to end Nixon’s suffering.”
Nixon was taken in by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife after a photo of the cub was posted on Facebook by the Bear League of South Lake Tahoe, a local group focused on keeping bears safe in their natural habitats. Following an initial veterinary assessment, state officials contacted Oakland Zoo to provide further treatment.
“We are grieving deeply today as we made the extremely difficult decision to euthanize Nixon,” Oakland Zoo wrote. “We only knew him for a brief time, but the impact he made on us will last forever.”