Hogle Zoo’s Polar Bear, Nora, Breaks Leg
Feb 1, 2019, 10:57 AM
Nora the polar bear broke the humerus bone (from shoulder to elbow) on her front, right leg Wednesday night, presumably from her signature style of roughhouse play. Photo: Hogle Zoo
(from shoulder to elbow)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Nora, a 500-pound polar bear who’s called Hogle Zoo her home since 2017, has broken her humerus bone.
The zoo on Friday announced that the “rambunctious bear” suffered the broken bone presumably because of her affinity for roughhouse play.
“It’s not unusual to watch her head-dive into the snow without any hesitation,” said Lead Keeper Kaleigh Jablonski. “She just plays rough.”
Nora the polar bear broke the humerus bone (from shoulder to elbow) on her front, right leg Wednesday night, presumably from her signature style of roughhouse play. Photo: Hogle Zoo
Keepers discovered Nora last week unwilling to move. They monitored her closely and saw she wouldn’t interact with her keepers, which was unusual. She eventually made her way into the back-holding area, which allowed the animal care team to access her and do a full examination.
After X-rays were taken, it was discovered she’d broken the bone between the shoulder and elbow of her front, right leg.
Nora the polar bear broke the humerus bone (from shoulder to elbow) on her front, right leg Wednesday night, presumably from her signature style of roughhouse play. Photo: Hogle Zoo
“Veterinarians consulted with numerous zoos, veterinary surgeons, radiologists and human orthopedic specialists across the country regarding bone breaks in young bears,” according to a media release from Hogle Zoo. “It is noted at least three bears of Nora’s age have fractured bones in their legs from playing too hard.”
A team, which includes surgeons and an anesthesiologist from across the United States, will be performing surgery on Nora’s leg on Monday.
“During the post-op period she will likely require additional anesthetic procedures for follow-up X-rays to see how the break is healing,” according to the release. “Should the fixation break, she may require additional procedures. Either way, Nora will be off exhibit for the next several months.
Zoo officials said that Nora is currently on pain medications and is in her back-holding area. They noted that she is in good spirits and is still finding ways to play.
