Heartbreaking Announcement From Popular Zoo In Minnesota

Loss is never easy and unfortunately, that pain is being felt right now at a well-known zoo in Minnesota.

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Heartbreaking Announcement From Popular Zoo in Minnesota Shared on Social Media Tuesday

"It is with profound sadness we share that Kenai, the beloved brown bear that has been part of the Minnesota Zoo family for more than 15 years, has passed away."

"Kenai was the largest of the three brown bears at the Zoo. At 17 years old, he was in the latter stages of liver cancer."

The Minnesota Zoo Continued the Post And Shared Some of Kenai's Journey

"Kenai’s journey goes all the way back to Alaska, where he was found orphaned in September of 2006. Earlier that year, two other orphaned cubs had been found - Sadie and Haines. All three were brought to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where they remained for their first two years of life before coming to the Minnesota Zoo."

"The three came to Minnesota in 2008. Although unrelated, they acted in many ways like siblings, with Kenai being lovingly referred to as the laid back “little brother” – always willing to tag along with Haines and let Sadie be the unquestioned leader of their group."

Tribute to the Staff at the Minnesota Zoo Who Are Grieving This Loss

"This is a hard loss for our staff and the Zoo as a whole. Kenai was an important ambassador for his wild counterparts and his presence will be dearly missed.

Our staff will continue to provide expert and compassionate care to Haines and Sadie, who are currently in their behind-the-scenes habitat for torpor (similar to a light winter hibernation)."

- Minnesota Zoo Facebook Page