Knut passed at Errington's North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre on Tuesday, July 20 after a quarter century in captivity. (submitted photo/NIWRA)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

TRAGIC PASSING

Beloved black bear ‘Knut’ passes at North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre

Jul 21, 2021 | 7:37 PM

ERRINGTON — One of the central Island’s most famous black bears has died.

Knut passed away peacefully at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre in Errington on Tuesday, July 20. He was 25 years old, considered elderly for black bears.

The centre said Knut had shown a rapid decline in health over the past week due to his evolving medical needs and old age.

Knut was born into captivity in 1996 in Vancouver and was eventually taken to the recovery centre when his mother was unable or unwilling to care for him.

He was hand raised by staff at the centre, led by the owner Robin Campbell who developed a life-long bond with Knut.

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Throughout his life at the centre, Knut helped educate carers to better understand black bears and led to the development of the centre’s rehabilitation program, which has cared for and sent hundreds of sick, injured or orphaned cubs back into the wild.

Knut was a popular member of the family at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre. (submitted photo/NIWRA)

Knut will be laid to rest at a special site in the recovery centre which will be accessible to the public.

North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre staff and volunteers rehabilitate hundreds of injured and sick Vancouver Island animals every year, primarily birds ranging from ducklings and eagles, to ravens, hawks and owls.

About 20 animals unable to fend for themselves in the wild, including black bears, are permanent residents of the non-profit refuge just west of Parksville in existence since 1985.

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