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…