Watch: Bear gets MRI scan for seizures in UK first

Three-year-old Boki receives procedure after suffering from debilitating health issues

A brown bear called Boki has become the first of its kind to undergo an MRI scan in Britain.
The three-year-old 115kg bear, which is based at Wildwood Trust in Canterbury, Kent, had been suffering from seizures and other debilitating health issues.
Conservationists at the charity’s wildlife park thought they had explored all avenues of treatment before Prof Noel Fitzpatrick offered his team’s MRI services.
Mark Habben, Wildwood’s director of zoo operations, said the charity had made it an “absolute priority” to find the cause of the seizures and “give him the help he needs”.
“Boki is loved by absolutely everyone,” he said, adding: “He’s really charismatic and friendly and has captured the hearts of not just the staff but every one of our supporters as well.”
Mr Habben highlighted the “immense challenge” of transferring a bear of Boki’s size on a 100-mile journey from the park in Herne Bay to the veterinary practice in Surrey.
Becky Copland, the head of animal training, said Wildwood had carried out conditioning work in the lead up to the scans to ensure Boki would remain calm during the procedure.
Boki was familiarised with its transportation crate and taught to present its leg for the hand injected anaesthetic.
Ms Copland said:” The whole procedure went really well and he went to sleep quickly so we’re really pleased all the hard work paid off.”
Honey water was used to help the vet deliver the injection that sedated Boki before the hour-long scan began.
The scan focused specifically on its head to try and find the cause of his seizures and associated health concerns.
Nicola Bromley, the hospital director, said the team had been more than happy to help Boki.
He said: “We endeavour to deliver exceptional care and support to the families and guardians of the animals we treat – whether they have paws or claws.”
The wait is now on for the results of the scan to see what the next steps are for Boki.
Boki had been hand-reared by keepers at Port Lympne Reserve Park after being rejected by their brown bear group.