Sad News.....
Feb. 26th, 2026 06:12 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
disneydream06EXTREMELY Sad News.....
The Minnesota Zoo has lost another of it's Brown/Grizzly Bears... :( :( :(
This week, the Minnesota Zoo said farewell to Haines, a male brown bear and beloved resident of Russia’s Grizzly Coast since 2008. Following a decline in his health, he was humanely euthanized.
Haines had been medically managed for degenerative joint disease (arthritis) since 2023. He received medications, supplements, and physical therapy to support his wellbeing. Even with the expert and compassionate care provided by our staff, the chronic wear and tear on his joints progressed and treatments no longer gave him comfort.
He was the “big brother” and constant companion of brown bears Sadie and Kenai. All three were found separately orphaned in Alaska in 2006. Haines was named for the small town where he was found roaming porches. After their rescue and care at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, the three young bears moved into the newly opened Russia’s Grizzly Coast in 2008.
Of the trio, Haines was the cool, calm, collected and clever one. Keepers say he had a knack for doing the least amount of work for the maximum reward of food during enrichment sessions. He was stubborn sometimes and a sweet tooth always.
After his buddy Kenai’s death in February 2024 due to liver cancer, Haines and Sadie remained close. His gentle nature meant Sadie happily had things her way. We will watch Sadie closely and support her through the loss of her lifelong companion.
Thank you to the millions of guests who connected with Haines in his lifetime and join our staff in mourning his loss. He will leave a legacy as an incredible ambassador for wild bears. Our friend Haines will never be forgotten.
The Minnesota Zoo has lost another of it's Brown/Grizzly Bears... :( :( :(
This week, the Minnesota Zoo said farewell to Haines, a male brown bear and beloved resident of Russia’s Grizzly Coast since 2008. Following a decline in his health, he was humanely euthanized.
Haines had been medically managed for degenerative joint disease (arthritis) since 2023. He received medications, supplements, and physical therapy to support his wellbeing. Even with the expert and compassionate care provided by our staff, the chronic wear and tear on his joints progressed and treatments no longer gave him comfort.
He was the “big brother” and constant companion of brown bears Sadie and Kenai. All three were found separately orphaned in Alaska in 2006. Haines was named for the small town where he was found roaming porches. After their rescue and care at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, the three young bears moved into the newly opened Russia’s Grizzly Coast in 2008.
Of the trio, Haines was the cool, calm, collected and clever one. Keepers say he had a knack for doing the least amount of work for the maximum reward of food during enrichment sessions. He was stubborn sometimes and a sweet tooth always.
After his buddy Kenai’s death in February 2024 due to liver cancer, Haines and Sadie remained close. His gentle nature meant Sadie happily had things her way. We will watch Sadie closely and support her through the loss of her lifelong companion.
Thank you to the millions of guests who connected with Haines in his lifetime and join our staff in mourning his loss. He will leave a legacy as an incredible ambassador for wild bears. Our friend Haines will never be forgotten.
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Date: 2026-02-27 03:29 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-02-28 02:27 am (UTC)I wonder if they will retire her and try to bring in some new bears. :o
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Date: 2026-02-27 10:07 am (UTC)Hugs, Holly
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Date: 2026-02-28 02:28 am (UTC)She must be so lonely now. :(