Another Emotional Week for Minnesota Zoos as Another Beloved Animal Passes Away

Just days after extremely heartbreaking news was shared by the team at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in Minnesota, another round of loss has happened at a popular zoo in our state.

READ MORE: Emotional Loss of 40-Year-Old Orangutan at Minnesota's Como Zoo

Another Sad Loss at Popular Zoo in Minnesota Just Announced

One of Minnesota's favorite attractions that about 1.3 million people visit every year is a zoo sitting on about 485 acres in Apple Valley.  This spot, the Minnesota Zoo, is home to about 500 different species and has been a perk in the Land of 10,000 Lakes since the zoo opened in 1978.

Sadly, it was just announced that one of the 4,500 animals at the Minnesota Zoo has recently passed away due to a prolonged illness.  Below is the sorrowful note on Facebook that was shared by the team:

We are saddened to share that Haines, the male brown bear at Russia’s Grizzly Coast, was humanely euthanized following an age-related decline in his health.

The team at the Minnesota Zoo went on to explain some of the ailments Haines had been experiencing since he was diagnosed with degenerative joint disease (arthritis) in 2023.

Our Animal Care, Health, and Behavior teams closely monitored his comfort and mobility, providing medications, supplements, and supportive therapies. Despite their expert and compassionate care, his condition progressed to the point where we could no longer maintain his comfort and ensure his quality of life.

Haines joined the Minnesota Zoo family in 2008 after being rescued in Alaska when he was orphaned as a cub.

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Remembering Haines, The Male Brown Bear Who Recently Passed Away At The Minnesota Zoo

The tribute to Haines on the Minnesota Zoo Facebook page included several attributes that the team will remember.

Over his 18 years here, he became known for his calm, cool, and collected nature. He was especially clever when food was involved—often figuring out how to do the least amount of work for the biggest reward during training and enrichment. Staff fondly remember his stubborn streak, his gentle demeanor, and his well-known sweet tooth.

 

 

This is a challenging time for our staff, who cared for Haines deeply and were honored to provide him with a safe home after his difficult start in life. He was an important ambassador for his wild counterparts and will be greatly missed.

Losing an animal that you love and care creates a bond that many of us understand, and one that 90% of caretakers in a zoo experience too.  Thinking of the team at the Minnesota Zoo as they mourn this incredible loss.