Prior to euthanasia Native American blessing performed

Brookfield, Ill. — Brookfield Zoo Chicago is sad to announce the loss of Judy, a 24-year-old American bison. Considered geriatric, Judy had significant arthritis due to her advanced age, and more recently, weight loss. Aware of her condition, veterinary and animal care staff had been closely monitoring and treating Judy for the past several years to alleviate any pain. However, over the past week, it became evident that Judy’s condition had progressed to the point that staff could no longer ensure her comfort and quality of life, and made the difficult decision to intervene with humane euthanasia.

American bison offer a powerful symbol of survival, hope, and endurance for Native American communities, who regard the animal with respect and reverence. Prior to Tuesday’s euthanasia procedure, the Zoo welcomed representatives from Midwest SOARRING (Save Our Ancestors Remains & Resources Indigenous Network Group), a local non-profit whose members represent many indigenous tribes, for a ceremonial blessing of Judy. During the gathering, representatives reflected on the importance of the bison in North America and the need to respect and conserve the animals whose home we share.     

Judy arrived at Brookfield Zoo Chicago in 2001. In 2010, she and other members of the bison herd were moved to their new home at the Zoo’s Great Bear Wilderness. At that time, a Native American blessing ceremony was performed to welcome them to their new land.

Judy’s care staff described her as having a big personality and one of the friendlier bison, who was a great ambassador for her species. Her favorite time of the year was winter and she enjoyed receiving Christmas trees for enrichment after the holidays as well as running around with her herd mates when spring arrived. She will be greatly missed by those who cared for her and the millions of guests who visited her for nearly two decades.
 

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Photo Captions (credit: Lisa Miller)
8515 and 1178: Judy, a 24-year-old year bison, at Brookfield Zoo was humanely euthanized due to ailments related to her advanced age.

8416 and 8420: Joseph Standing Bear Schranz, president of Midwest SOARRING Foundation, came to Brookfield Zoo to perform a ceremonial blessing for Judy, a 24-year-old American bison.


About Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Celebrating 90 years as a global leader in animal well-being and conservation, Brookfield Zoo Chicago inspires conservation leadership by igniting emotional connections for people with wildlife and nature, locally and globally. The Zoo is a private nonprofit organization that operates on 235 acres of land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County and is home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 species, including many of Earth’s most endangered. Brookfield Zoo Chicago was the first zoo in the world to be awarded the Humane Certified™ certification mark for the care and welfare of its animals, is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and ArbNet. For more information, visit www.brookfieldzoo.org.