Vassfaret Bear Park in FlÄ, Norway has made the difficult decision to euthanize its most famous resident. The brown bear Rugg passed away at 30 years old, which park officials compared to human age of 90.
Park director Kees Oscar Ekeli described the decision as emotionally challenging. He confirmed the bear's quality of life had declined significantly in recent months.
Rugg was among the first inhabitants when the park opened in the late 1990s. He became a local celebrity over the years and helped communicate wildlife conservation messages to thousands of visitors.
Norwegian brown bears typically live 20-25 years in the wild, making Rugg's lifespan notably long for his species. His advanced age brought natural health challenges that ultimately necessitated the difficult decision.
In his final years, Rugg experienced declining hearing and vision. The situation became more serious when joint stiffness and muscle problems began affecting his mobility and comfort.
When joint and stiffness issues started becoming problematic for him, we determined he didn't have many good days remaining, Ekeli explained in a statement. The time had come for this difficult choice.
The Norwegian Veterinary Institute assisted with the euthanasia process and collected samples for ongoing wildlife research. Such contributions help scientists better understand bear health and aging patterns.
At his peak, Rugg weighed approximately 370 kilograms, likely making him Norway's largest brown bear. His substantial size and distinctive personality made him particularly memorable to visitors.
Rugg leaves behind an important legacy at the park. He fathered two younger bears currently residing there - Trym and Anton. He also shared a special bond with female bear Nora, his companion since 2018.
The park first introduced Rugg to Nora when she was four years old. Their initial courtship lasted about one year before they formed their lasting partnership.
This season marks a significant change for Nora, who must now enter hibernation alone. Bear behavior experts will monitor her adjustment to this new circumstance.
Vassfaret Bear Park plays an important role in Norwegian wildlife conservation and education. The facility provides sanctuary for bears that cannot survive in the wild while offering public education about Nordic wildlife preservation.
The loss of such a prominent animal highlights the challenges wildlife parks face in caring for aging animals. Park staff must balance emotional attachments with responsible animal welfare decisions.
Rugg's long life demonstrates the quality care provided by Norwegian wildlife facilities. His story helped countless visitors understand and appreciate Norway's native brown bear population.
The park continues its conservation mission with its remaining bears, building on the foundation Rugg helped establish during his three decades at the facility.