Detroit Zoo grizzly bear, Mike, euthanized after months of health complications

A trio of grizzly bear brothers at the Detroit Zoo is now a duo after the zoo had to euthanize one of the bears Wednesday.

Mike, a 13-year-old grizzly, was euthanized after several months of health complications, according to the zoo's posts on social media.

Mike began showing symptoms of discomfort and a lower appetite earlier this year. He eventually became unable to rise from a lying posture, the zoo said.

The zoo said it implemented intensive care and monitoring and consulted with outside veterninary neurologists to start new treatments, but there were no improvments and Mike's health decline continued.

The zoo eventually made the decision to euthanize him.

"These decisions are always hard, but we take comfort in knowing that Mike was loved and provided with the highest level of care during his lifetime," according to the zoo.

Mike was rescued with his brothers Boo and Thor in 2011 after being orphaned in the Alaskan wild.

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They were later moved to the Detroit Zoo and grew up together.

"Mike was a truly special bear," according to the zoo. "Though described as reserved, he enjoyed playtime and his favorite treats, such as yogurt and peanut butter crackers. On warm days, Mike could be seen with his brothers soaking in the shallow end of their pool in the habitat.

"Mike was loved by all who knew him, and he will be dearly missed. This is an incredibly difficult time for his longtime caretakers, who are devastated by his loss."

A necropsy is scheduled for Thursday to help the zoo's veterinary team understand the underlying causes behind Mike's condition. The zoo expects results in the next few weeks.