‘Beloved’ Axhi, the brown bear, euthanized at Brookfield Zoo
So long, Axhi.
The Brookfield zoo this week has Euhanized the Brown Bear, 30, due to its declining health, the zoo announced in an article on Facebook on Friday.
“Axhi’s heritage is that of resilience, care and inspiration,” said the post of the zoo. “He will deeply miss our staff, our volunteers and the countless guests whose life he touched.”
Axhi, alongside his brother in Cub, arrived at the Brookfield zoo in 1995 to 6 months, saved from southeast Alaska after a hunter killed their mother. This summer, the zoo celebrated the 30th anniversary of the rescue and the arrival of Axhi. Axhi’s brother Jim died almost three years ago.
In recent months, Axhi’s health has decreased by showing signs of worsening geriatric conditions, according to the zoo, which makes its quality of life difficult to maintain. The zoo remembered Axhi for the comfortable lunals that he built every winter, never being shy to remind employees when he wanted more food, and his fearlessness when he plunged underwater to recover a treat.
“For those who took care of him, Axhi will always remain in memories as resilients, curious and deeply appreciated,” the zoo on social media wrote.
Friday evening, hundreds of comments flooded the post of the souvenirs and photos of Axhi.
tkenny@chicagogne.com
