Judy arrived at Brookfield Zoo in 2001. She had recently started losing weight and her caregivers couldn’t manage her discomfort from arthritis. (Brookfield Zoo Chicago / Lisa Miller)

Brookfield Zoo announced Tuesday it said goodbye to Judy, a 24-year-old bison, who was humanely euthanized due to ailments related to her advanced age.

For many Chicagoans, visiting Judy and the rest of the small herd at Brookfield represented their sole chance to encounter a bison — the national mammal of the U.S.

Considered geriatric — bison in the wild live an average of 10 to 20 years — Judy had significant arthritis and more recently began losing weight. Over the past week, Judy’s condition had progressed to the point that staff could no longer ensure her comfort and quality of life, and the decision was made to intervene with humane euthanasia, according to zoo officials.

Judy’s care staff described her as one of the friendlier bison and they said she had a big personality. She loved winter and 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,” the zoo said in a statement.

Prior to Tuesday’s euthanasia procedure, Joseph Standing Bear Schranz from Midwest SOARRING Foundation (Save Our Ancestors Remains & Resources Indigenous Network Group) performed a ceremonial blessing of Judy.

He and other representatives from SOARRING reflected on the importance of the bison in North America and the need to respect and conserve the animals whose home we share, according to zoo officials.  

Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 |  [email protected]