Two-year-old brown bear Boki in his enclosure at the Wildwood Trust (Image: PA)
Brown bear Boki is making a “very encouraging” recovery after having pioneering life-saving brain surgery last month.
The two-year-old male became the first brown bear on record to have the procedure, according to the Wildwood Trust where he lives in Canterbury, Kent.
Boki was suffering from seizures believed to be caused by hydrocephalus –fluid on the brain.
He had been given medication to ease swelling and fluid build-up, but zoo workers would have been unable to treat him once he went into semi-hibernation.
Two-year-old brown bear Boki at Wildwood Trust in Kent (Image: PA)
It was decided brain surgery was the best option for Boki, whose op took five hours on October 9.
World-leading veterinary surgeon Romain Pizzi, who waived his fee for the job, fitted a stent between Boki’s brain and abdomen to help him pass the excess fluid.
Mr Pizzi said the surgery “appears to have been successful in improving his condition” and experts are now trying to wean Boki off his medication after six weeks’ rehabilitation.
Mark Habben, director of zoo operations at Wildwood Trust, said: “Six weeks seems like such a short time when you think of how far Boki has come since surgery.
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“For the team who have shown unrivalled dedication, caring for him day and night, it’s probably felt longer than 42 days.
“We’re in awe of the progress he’s made and remain incredibly grateful to everyone who helped get Boki back to the charismatic, carefree bear we first met nearly two years ago.”
Boki has put on 20kg since the surgery and has been enjoying cardboard boxes covered in honey.