Jan 17, 2007 11:50 am US/Eastern
'Koda' The Polar Bear Back In Front Of Visitors
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
Koda, the polar bear cub, at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is ready to go back in front of visitors today after having a root canal over the weekend.
Dr. Barbara Baker of the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium says that this is the first root canal ever to be performed on a polar bear in Pittsburgh.
Officials at the zoo say they are extremely pleased with Koda's progress.
Koda's lower right fang was chipped, which infected the area, causing swelling around his jaw and head.
Baker says that the doctor's initial concerns were how he would recover from the anesthesia.
She adds that they were also concerned about reuniting him with his brother, Nuka, because of their rough play.
But she says that he is improving and is even eating more than he had prior to the surgery because he doesn't have anymore pain.
Koda will go back in front of zoo visitors later today with his brother at "The Water's Edge' exhibit.
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