In an unusual sight, a 200-pound bear named 'Okan' from a zoo in Çekmeköy, Istanbul, was wheeled into a veterinary hospital in Turkey on a stretcher and scanned through an MRI machine after suffering stomach troubles.
According to Istanbul University’s Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, where he was treated, Okan was brought in with abdominal pain and discomfort due to overeating fruits.
“Our veterinarian at Çekmeköy Rehabilitation Center immediately noticed tenderness in Okan’s stomach area,” Istanbul Nature and Life Complex Board chairman Burak Memişoğlu reported CNN Turk.
Doctors conducted a CT scan to rule out internal complications, but results showed no abnormalities. His blood count was also normal. “He’s fine now; he’s very tame and happy, and he’ll soon cool off in the pool,” Memişoğlu said.
The bear has become a familiar face at the wildlife park after news reports went viral.
This was not Okan’s first encounter with fruit-induced illness. Three years ago, he underwent similar treatment.
To prevent further health issues, staff at the wildlife center are closely monitoring his diet. “Our veterinarians and biologists adjust our animals’ food carefully. Okan now eats seasonal fruits and vegetables, and bonito fish and honey in winter,” Memişoğlu said.
According to Istanbul University’s Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, where he was treated, Okan was brought in with abdominal pain and discomfort due to overeating fruits.
“Our veterinarian at Çekmeköy Rehabilitation Center immediately noticed tenderness in Okan’s stomach area,” Istanbul Nature and Life Complex Board chairman Burak Memişoğlu reported CNN Turk.
İstanbul'da hayvanat bahçesinde fenalaşan ayı 'Okan' Cerrahpaşa'da MR'a getirildi
— Halk TV (@halktvcomtr) September 2, 2025
Ayı, tedavisinin ardından yuvasına geri gönderildi pic.twitter.com/7k3hwWyEwk
Doctors conducted a CT scan to rule out internal complications, but results showed no abnormalities. His blood count was also normal. “He’s fine now; he’s very tame and happy, and he’ll soon cool off in the pool,” Memişoğlu said.
The bear has become a familiar face at the wildlife park after news reports went viral.
This was not Okan’s first encounter with fruit-induced illness. Three years ago, he underwent similar treatment.
To prevent further health issues, staff at the wildlife center are closely monitoring his diet. “Our veterinarians and biologists adjust our animals’ food carefully. Okan now eats seasonal fruits and vegetables, and bonito fish and honey in winter,” Memişoğlu said.
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