Brookfield Zoo Euthanizes Oldest Male Polar Bear In North America
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Some sad news before the holidays.
Brookfield Zoo made the decision Friday to euthanize Aussie, the oldest male polar bear in an accredited North American zoo.
The 32-year-old polar bear was experiencing a number of age-related degenerative diseases. The zoo's care staff monitored him closely over the past several years, as he suffered degenerative arthritis in his legs as he aged.
According to the zoo, Aussie had been on a variety of pain relievers, which kept him comfortable. Over the past several weeks, care staff noticed a gradual decline in his condition and decreased response to medications, concluding in the difficult decision to euthanize him.
"Our primary focus is always the wellness of our animals," said Dr. Michael Adkesson, vice president of clinical medicine for the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages the zoo, in a statement. "Aussie has been part of our family here at Brookfield Zoo for more than 30 years, and today is a difficult day for our team. However, it is the best decision for Aussie as medications could no longer control the pain associated with his age-related arthritis. Our staff could tell his comfort was really declining and knew it was the right time. It is very similar to the tough decisions that people must make for their pets at home in deciding when to say goodbye."
Aussie was born at Adelaide Zoo in Australia in June 1985. His official name was BIAZ, an acronym for Born In Adelaide Zoo, but upon arriving at Brookfield Zoo in December 1986, animal care staff started calling him Aussie because he was the first polar bear to come to North America from Australia.
He was introduced to one of the zoo's female polar bears at the time of his arrival and together they produced five offspring, including Hudson, who just turn 11 and still resides at Brookfield Zoo. In addition, the zoo said, Aussie's legacy will live on through his nine "grandkids" and four great "grandkids."
Thanks to the veterinary care staff at Brookfield Zoo, Aussie was able to live for many years longer than he would have in the wild.
In addition to Hudson, Brookfield Zoo is also home to a 24-year-old female polar bear named Nan
