A 200-pound bear named Okan was taken to Istanbul University’s Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Veterinary Medicine this week after experiencing stomach pain due to overeating fruit. The bear was treated, underwent an MRI, and was later released back to the Istanbul Nature and Life Complex.
According to Burak Memişoğlu, Chairman of the Park of Istanbul Nature and Life Complex Board, Okan had tenderness in his stomach area. Initial scans showed no alarming issues, and his condition improved after treatment.
Memişoğlu noted that Okan is now healthy and content, and can be seen engaging with visitors at the wildlife park. This incident is not the first of its kind for Okan, as he had a similar episode three years ago, which also led to medical attention and subsequently resulted in his name being registered as Okan.
To prevent future health issues, staff at the wildlife center are monitoring Okan’s diet and have made adjustments to ensure he receives proper nutrition without overindulgence.
- Why it matters: This incident highlights the challenges wildlife caretakers face in managing animal health, particularly regarding diet and nutrition.
- This case may prompt greater awareness of wildlife care practices and the importance of regulating captive animal diets.
- The latest: Okan is currently in good health and has returned to his natural habitat, where visitors can enjoy his presence.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/06/europe/turkey-bear-mri-okan-sick-fruit-latam-intl
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/06/europe/turkey-bear-mri-okan-sick-fruit-latam-intl