Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's Grizzly Bear Preparing for Cancer Treatment

21-year-old Emmett to undergo surgery to remove cancerous lump at the base of his tail

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Emmett, a 21-year-old grizzly bear at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, is preparing to undergo surgery to remove a cancerous lump at the base of his tail. The upcoming procedure requires the expertise of nearly every department within the zoo, as well as assistance from external veterinary professionals. While the surgery carries risks, the care team is optimistic about Emmett's recovery given his otherwise good health.

Why it matters

Emmett's case highlights the growing trend in veterinary medicine of increasingly sophisticated cancer treatment options for animals. Advancements in surgical techniques, anesthesia monitoring, and imaging technologies are allowing veterinary teams to provide more comprehensive care for animal patients with cancer.

The details

Emmett, who weighs 750 pounds, will receive an initial anesthesia injection in his den before being transported to the zoo's hospital for the surgery. Professionals from CSU Veterinary Health System and Focused Ultrasound Resources will assist the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo veterinary team during the procedure. Sonographers will perform an ultrasound immediately before the surgery to check for additional tumors.

  • Emmett was diagnosed with a cancerous lump at the base of his tail in recent weeks.
  • The surgery to remove the lump and affected tissue is scheduled to take place in the coming days.

The players

Emmett

A 21-year-old grizzly bear at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZoo)

A zoo located in Colorado Springs, Colorado that is home to Emmett and other animals.

Dr. Jasmine Sarvi

The associate veterinarian at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo who is leading Emmett's case.

CSU Veterinary Health System

A veterinary health system that will be assisting the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo veterinary team during Emmett's surgery.

Focused Ultrasound Resources

A company that will be providing ultrasound expertise to assist with Emmett's surgery.

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What they’re saying

“There are a lot of unknowns, so we're preparing for every possible outcome. With every decision, we'll be aiming to preserve his best quality of life and post-operative recovery.”

— Dr. Jasmine Sarvi, Associate Veterinarian, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The zoo anticipates providing an update on Emmett's condition following the procedure in the coming days.

The takeaway

Emmett's case demonstrates the advancements in veterinary oncology and the dedication of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo team to providing exceptional care for their animals, even in the face of complex medical challenges.