Heartbreaking News from ZooMontana: A Community Favorite Lost

There are certain animals that become more than just part of a zoo. The animals become part of the community. Generations grow up visiting them, sharing stories, and snapping photos year after year. They hold a quiet, familiar presence, even if you only see them once in a while. This week, Montanans said goodbye to one of those familiar faces. ZooMontana announced Tuesday that the beloved grey wolf, Simpson, has passed away.

Simpson had one of those stories that just stuck with you. He wasn’t supposed to make it after being found all alone near Condon, Montana, back in 2020. His pack had abandoned him at just five weeks old. He was weak, sick, and wouldn’t have survived without a little help. That help came from ZooMontana, which quickly became his forever home.

Not long after arriving, the tiny wolf pup was diagnosed with congenital hydrocephalus—a condition that causes fluid to build up around the brain. It affected his vision, balance, and overall coordination. But despite the odds, Simpson had a whole community behind him.

Montanans came together and raised funds so he could get specialized care at Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The surgery gave him more time... time to grow, to be loved, and to become a favorite at the zoo.

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Sadly, over the past year, Simpson’s health continued to decline. After five years of close monitoring and care, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize him. He’ll be deeply missed but never forgotten.