'Beloved' brown bear euthanized at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune on Aug 30, 2025

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CHICAGO — So long, Axhi.

The Brookfield Zoo Chicago this week euthanized the 30-year-old rescued brown bear due to his declining health, the zoo announced in a Facebook post Friday.

“Axhi’s legacy is one of resilience, care, and inspiration,” the zoo’s post read. “He will be deeply missed by our staff, volunteers, and the countless guests whose lives he touched.”

Axhi, alongside his cub brother, arrived at the Brookfield Zoo in 1995 at 6 months old, rescued from southeastern Alaska after a hunter killed their mother. Just this summer, the zoo celebrated the 30th anniversary of Axhi’s rescue and arrival. Axhi’s brother, Jim, died nearly three years ago.

In recent months, Axhi’s health had been declining as he showed signs of worsening geriatric conditions, according to the zoo, making his quality of life difficult to maintain. The zoo remembered Axhi for the cozy dens he built each winter, never being shy to remind staffers when he wanted more food, and his fearlessness as he dove underwater to retrieve a treat.

“For those who cared for him, Axhi will always be remembered as resilient, curious, and deeply beloved,” the zoo wrote to social media.

As of Friday night, hundreds of comments had flooded the zoo’s post with memories and pictures of Axhi.