Point Defiance Zoo's Elderly Polar Bear Diagnosed With Cancer

TACOMA, WA — A sad update from the Point Defiance Zoo, who announced Wednesday that their elderly polar bear, Blizzard, had been diagnosed with liver cancer.

The zoo says it discovered the cancer after a routine physical found Blizzard had elevated liver enzymes and was showing signs of nausea. An ultrasound and biopsy then confirmed the presence of a malignant tumor. The discovery is unfortunate, the zoo says, but the cancer was detected early and veterinarians have promised to help Blizzard as he fights the disease.

“The good news is that we were able to detect Blizzard’s cancer early,” said Dr. Karen Wolf, the zoo's head veterinarian. “With treatment, we hope to slow the disease progression, help Blizzard feel better, and prolong his life.”

Point Defiance says Dr. Wolf is working with veterinary oncologists and Blizzard's care team to develop a treatment plan, which will include chemotherapy, pain medication and other supportive treatments. Blizzard has previously been trained to participate in his own medical care, and the team is optimistic he'll take well to treatment.

“Our keepers and veterinarians know Blizzard well and closely monitor him every day for subtle changes in his behavior,” said zoo curator Malia Somerville. “These strong relationships helped us identify the disease early and will help us continue to provide the best possible care for him throughout his treatment.”

Blizzard is 25-years-old, and has lived at Point Defiance Zoo since 1997, arriving as a 15-month-old orphaned cub, separated from his mother near Churchill, Manitoba.

While receiving medical care, Blizzard will still be allowed to roam his Arctic Tundra habitat as he chooses, as long as his condition permits it, the zoo said.

“Blizzard is such an extraordinary bear and a beloved member of our zoo family,” Dr. Wolf said. “We have cared for him since he arrived as a cub and will continue to do everything we can to treat him for this disease and keep him comfortable.”