Grouse Mountain Grizzly Bear Grinder Passes Away

This morning the Grouse Mountain team shared the sad news that beloved resident grizzly bear Grinder passed away.

Grouse Mountain Grizzly Bear Grinder Passes Away

Grinder arrived at Grouse Mountain in 2001 after being found orphaned as a cub in Invermere, B.C. He quickly became one of the Resort’s most recognizable ambassadors, inspiring curiosity, respect and a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation. At 25 years old, he lived a long life, reaching an age beyond the average life expectancy of male grizzly bears in the wild.

For the past 25 years, Grinder has been an integral member of the Grouse Mountain family and an extraordinary ambassador for wildlife conservation. Alongside fellow rescued grizzly bear Coola, he helped educate guests from around the world about grizzly bears and the importance of protecting wildlife. He will be profoundly missed by his dedicated care team, Grouse Mountain staff and the countless visitors whose lives he touched.

In recent weeks, Grinder experienced a rapid decline in mobility. A comprehensive veterinary examination revealed an irreversible spinal condition permanently paralyzing his hind limbs, leaving no realistic path to recovery or return to acceptable quality of life. With Grinder’s welfare always the highest priority, the difficult decision was made to provide him with a peaceful and humane passing in the habitat he called home, surrounded by the team who cared for him since he was a cub.

“Saying goodbye to Grinder is heartbreaking for all of us, and it is a decision that was made with the utmost care and consideration for the grizzly bear millions of people have come to know and love,” says Dr. Ken Macquisten, Director and Veterinarian, Grouse Mountain Wildlife Refuge. “It has been a privilege for our team to care for Grinder over the past 25 years, and while we will miss him deeply, we take comfort in knowing his legacy will live on through his impact as an ambassador for wildlife conservation.”

Grinder’s fellow grizzly bear and long-time companion Coola, who also arrived in 2001, remains healthy and continues to do well under the care of Grouse Mountain’s wildlife team. Following Grinder’s passing, Coola was given supervised access to him before Grinder was removed from the habitat, a practice widely used at many accredited zoological facilities to help animals recognize the loss of a companion. The wildlife team will continue to closely monitor Coola and provide him with the highest standard of care.

Grouse Mountain extends its heartfelt gratitude to its Wildlife Rangers, volunteers, veterinary team and all those who devoted themselves to Grinder’s care throughout his life. 

Related: Grouse Mountain Celebrates 100 Years with Centennial Festival