Lake Superior Zoo's bear gets largest-ever crown in 'groundbreaking procedure'

Bear undergoes ‘groundbreaking’ dental surgery

After injuring a tooth in 2023, a partnership was made to create a permanent solution for Tundra the brown bear that led to a "groundbreaking" procedure for the animal. FOX 9’s All Day spoke with Lizzy Larson, Lake Superior Zoo’s director of animal management, to learn how everything happened.

DULUTH, Minn. (FOX 9) - The first, and largest, full metal crown ever placed on a bear tooth was successfully completed at the Lake Superior Zoo in Minnesota.

Lake Superior Zoo brown bear crown

What we know:

A social media post by the zoo says the "groundbreaking procedure" on Tundra the brown bear was led by Dr. Grace Brown, with support from the team at Creature Crowns and zoo staff.

The backstory:

The zoo says Tundra first fractured his tooth in 2023, and after a successful root canal, he re-injured the area.

It was then that the custom-made crown was created through a partnership between Minnesota Veterinary Dental Specialists, Creature Crowns, iM3 and the zoo to keep that tooth protected for the rest of his life.

What's next:

Back in his habitat, zoo officials encourage visitors to go see Tundra next time they stop by, "and give a wave to one very shiny, history-making smile."