The Bear Who Was the First in the World to Undergo Brain Surgery Celebrated His Birthday (4 photos + 1 video)

Category: Animals, PEGI 0+
Today, 05:37

Last October, three-year-old brown bear Boki underwent surgery to treat hydrocephalus, which was causing him seizures. During the five-hour procedure, a shunt was installed to drain excess fluid from his brain. He made a full recovery and recently enjoyed a birthday cake.





The surgery was performed at Wildwood Trust Wildlife Park in Kent, UK.

Last winter, Boki hibernated for the first time. Keepers feared he might not survive. In the coming days, Boki will sleep again until spring.



To support him and celebrate his recovery, his friends gave him a cake made of sweet potatoes, nuts, seeds, and even mice.





Romain Pizzi, the veterinary surgeon who performed the surgery, noted: "I'm delighted that Boki is doing well. Despite all the attention the surgery has attracted, the most important thing is the patient's recovery. This is a true success."

"Hydrocephalus is a complex condition. Boki's case was special because of his seizures. Surgery could have failed, but Boki survived. He lives without medication and is as energetic as ever. He runs, swims, and wrestles with other bears. The Wildwood team keeps me updated on all the developments, and I'm glad everything is going well." Let's hope Boki has a long and happy life."

After the surgery, Boki has gained weight, built up muscle mass, and is enjoying playing in his forest enclosure.



Boki's family was rescued from a Spanish circus. The cub was born in Kent, but his mother abandoned him. He wouldn't have survived in the wild.

"Boki's first three years were difficult, but you wouldn't know it to look at him," noted keeper John Ford. "He's the happiest bear in the world."

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