In June 2025, a unique dental operation was performed on a polar bear named Tundra at the Upper Zoo in Minnesota.
The six-year-old bear, weighing 360 kg, had a 7.5 cm long broken canine tooth, making it the first bear to undergo such a procedure.
The operation, which lasted about an hour under general anesthesia, was a success.
According to the zoo representative, Carol Rauli, "He's already started to smile."
Veterinarians took special precautions due to the patient's size (2.4 meters in height).
During the operation, the anesthesia dose was increased, and doctors used a rapid response team.
Tundra and his brother, Banks, were brought to the zoo three months after their mother died.
Despite his young age, the bear had already damaged one tooth and then another, which required the initial treatment of the root canal and then the installation of a prosthesis.
After the surgery, Tundra quickly recovered and returned to his normal life.
Zoo staff report that he feels good and eats normally.
Earlier, scientists helped the bear to get rid of the tooth with the help of a prosthesis.