BROOKFIELD, Ill. - Brookfield Zoo Chicago announced that the nearly 31-year-old brown bear Axhi, who first came to the zoo in 1995, has died.

What we know:

Animal care and veterinary teams humanly euthanized the bear this week. Axhi's health had been declining recently, as he showed signs of worsening geriatric conditions, and his quality of life became difficult to maintain, zoo officials said.

Axhi was orphaned as a cub in Alaska after his mother was killed by hunters. He and his brother were left alone and unable to survive on their own.

In 1995, Brookfield Zoo Chicago and its partners rescued him. This summer, Axhi celebrated the 30th anniversary of his arrival at the zoo. Image 1 of 10 ▼

Axhi ( Brookfield Zoo Chicago )

Each winter, Axhi built cozy dens with sticks and w

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