A rescued brown bear is feeling much better after undergoing an extensive dental procedure that removed a painful damaged tooth, giving the longtime sanctuary resident a new lease on life.
Keepers say the change in his behavior has been noticeable almost immediately.
A Massive Patient
Fluff, a 27-year-old European brown bear weighing more than 200 kilograms, recently underwent a complex dental operation under general anesthesia.
The procedure included a full dental examination, X-rays, and the extraction of a severely damaged tooth.
Ending Years of Discomfort
Animal care staff believe the tooth problem had been affecting Fluff’s comfort and behavior for quite some time.
Following the treatment, keepers reported signs that the bear was more relaxed and active than before.
Back to Playing With His Brother
One of the most encouraging signs came when Fluff resumed playful interactions with his brother, Scruff.
The pair had not been seen playing together in their indoor dens for a long period, making the reunion especially meaningful for their caretakers.
A Difficult Beginning
Fluff and Scruff endured a harsh start to life before their rescue.
The brothers spent their early years in poor conditions at a breeding facility where bears were kept for hunting-related purposes.
A New Life After Rescue
In 2014, the bears were transported more than 1,600 miles to a wildlife sanctuary, where they began receiving proper care and rehabilitation.
Their story became one of the sanctuary’s most celebrated rescue successes.
Lasting Effects of Neglect
Although rescued years ago, the bears continue to deal with health challenges linked to inadequate nutrition and poor living conditions during their early lives.
Ongoing veterinary treatment remains an important part of their care.
