It’s been a rough start to 2026 for a local Watertown, South Dakota zoo.
A beloved Alligator Snapping Turtle named Bowser has passed away at the Bramble Park Zoo. This ‘cherished’ animal has called South Dakota home for a long time.
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Bowser has been with the Bramble Park Zoo since April 2010. Behind closed doors, Bowser was suffering from cancer. Due to complications from his cancer, staff at the Bramble Park Zoo broke the heartbreaking news in a Facebook post.
This is a tough loss for everyone at Bramble Park Zoo. Bowser was known for having a “larger-than-life personality.” One of his favorite activities was early morning fishing.
He will be greatly missed—especially his morning greetings, his gentle nature with young guests peering through his viewing window, his impressive and unique fishing skills, and the occasional special treat shared by his caretakers. We are grateful for the support and understanding of our community as we mourn the loss of our friend, Bowser, and celebrate the many years he spent touching lives at the zoo.
The Bramble Park Zoo knows how loved Bowser was in Watertown and the surrounding communities. Some zoo-goers have shared some of their favorite Bowser stories on the Facebook post…