🐻Cheyenne Mountain Zoo says Emmett the grizzly's cancer has returned

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo says the aggressive cancer has returned for Emmett, its 22-year-old grizzly bear. He had surgery in February to remove a cancerous lump at the base of his tail, and the pathology results at the time were excellent.

Emmett had a few "off days" last week, with low energy and little appetite. He perked up over the weekend and got injections to manage discomfort. The zoo says it's prepared to move him toward hospice care if and when it's time.

• Good days: he's in the main yard with Digger
• Other days: quiet time in his den, out of view
• Treatment: the zoo is weighing quality of life, including anesthesia

“We're old friends, and it's an honor to see animals through their golden years.”