The TikTok video drew thousands of comments about the bear’s weight and living conditions.
ST PAUL, Minn. — Neil the polar bear is no spring chicken, but St. Paul’s Como Park Zoo & Conservatory wants visitors to know he’s happy and healthy as he enters his golden years.
“Neil’s well-being is our top priority,” said a post on the zoo’s Facebook page. “He is closely monitored by our expert animal care team, including our veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and zookeepers. Because of his advanced age, Neil participates in voluntary training sessions that help us assess and support his health even more frequently and gently.”
The statement comes after a video posted to TikTok garnered hundreds of thousands of views and prompted thousands of comments expressing concern for the 29-year-old polar bear’s health. The commenters raised questions about Neil’s weight and living conditions at the zoo, among other considerations.
In response, the zoo explained, “Neil is showing natural signs of aging, but he is not sick, as the person making the video falsely proclaims. Like many aging animals (and people), he is experiencing normal physical changes.”
The zoo said Neil’s slimmer frame is the result of both aging and seasonal fluctuations, while also noting he has indoor and outdoor habitats at all times to maintain a comfortable temperature.
“Neil holds a special place in our hearts, and he is the oldest living male polar bear under human care in North America,” the zoo said, adding, “Neil continues to receive everything he needs to stay as comfortable and healthy as possible in this stage of life.”