魅影直播

Watch CBS News

Bear in Duluth fitted with metal fang, the "largest veterinary crown" in the world, zoo says

Family of black bears paying daily visits to Minnesota home
Family of black bears paying daily visits to Minnesota home 01:44

A brown bear in northern Minnesota has made "dental history" after receiving a full metal crown that is the first of its kind, according to zoo staff. 

On Monday, Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth announced that the bear, named Tundra, needed the dental procedure after fracturing his tooth back in 2023. Although he underwent a successful root canal following the initial injury, he later reinjured the area.

The huge crown, which the zoo says is the "largest veterinary crown" in the world, was created to help protect Tundra's tooth for the rest of his life. 

The procedure was led by Dr. Grace Brown, with support from the team at Creature Crowns and zoo staff.

81526891-4f2d-4e6f-ab93-03b8fca7c646.png
Lake Superior Zoo

"We are incredibly proud of the collaboration between Minnesota Veterinary Dental Specialists, Creature Crowns, iM3, and our zoo team. All of Tundra's care was donated — and we couldn't be more grateful," the zoo . 

The zoo encourages people to come visit to check out Tundra's "history-making smile."

Note: Video is from May 14, 2025

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.