ISTANBUL, Turkey – Unusual footage of a 90kg bear being wheeled on a stretcher and undergoing medical scans has gone viral across Turkey this week, turning the animal into an overnight celebrity for a very relatable reason: he had a stomach ache from eating too much fruit.
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| Okan the bear feeling better at a wildlife center in Istanbul, Turkey on September 3, 2025. - CNN Turk |
The bear, named Okan, was feeling unwell after overindulging on his favorite treats. Concerned staff rushed him to Istanbul University's Cerrahpaşa Veterinary Faculty, where he received a full medical workup, treatment, and was later discharged with a clean bill of health, according to CNN Turk.
"Our bear, Okan, was brought to the hospital with abdominal pain and discomfort," Burak Memişoğlu, Chairman of the Board of the Istanbul Nature and Life Complex, told CNN Turk. "Our veterinarian at the Çekmeköy Rehabilitation Center immediately noticed the pain in Okan's abdominal area."
The medical team took every precaution to diagnose the issue. “A CT scan was performed on the bear to check for any tumors. However, the CT scan results came back normal, his blood count was also checked, and there were no issues. Currently, the bear is fine; he is very well-behaved and cheerful, and he will soon be taken to the pool to cool off,” Memişoğlu added.
Following the news reports, visitors at the wildlife park were delighted to see the now-famous Okan playing in his enclosure, recognizing him from the viral clips.
This, however, is not the first time Okan has gained notoriety for his lack of restraint around fruit. He received similar treatment for the exact same issue three years ago. That incident is also how he received his common Turkish name, Okan.
“Three years ago, when our new employee went to the hospital and didn't know the bear's name, he quickly said, ‘I named our bear, his name is Okan,’ and our bear's name was registered as Okan,” Memişoğlu explained in a charming anecdote.
Moving forward, the staff at the wildlife center are keeping a closer eye on their famous resident and adjusting his diet to prevent another painful fruit binge.
“Our veterinarians and biologists are adjusting the food portions for our animal friends; the amounts do not change, neither increasing nor decreasing," Memişoğlu said. "Okan currently eats seasonal fruits and vegetables, tuna, and honey in the winter."
