In a solemn junction of modern care and ancient traditions, Brookfield Zoo in Chicago bid farewell to one of its most storied residents, a 24-year-old American bison named Judy. After a battle with conditions commonplace in the twilight of such majestic creatures, Judy was euthanized on Tuesday. This decision came on the heels of a significant decline in her health, marked notably by signs of arthritis and a troubling weight loss, as detailed by the Chicago Sun-Times.
Before Judy’s pain was brought to a gentle end, a notable ceremony took place affirming the deep spiritual connection between bison and the Native American heritage. Representatives from the Midwest SOARRING Foundation, an organization echoing the voice of numerous indigenous tribes, bestowed a ceremonial blessing upon her. Judy, the zoological park's long-time herbivore dignitary, arrived at Brookfield Zoo in 2001, and was a beloved feature of the Great Bear Wilderness area since 2010, as reported by ABC 7 Chicago.
The ceremony not only symbolized a farewell to a central figure of the zoo's ecosystem but also underscored the reverence afforded to these animals, which embody resilience and persistence in the ethos of many Native American communities. Joseph Standing Bear Schranz of the Midwest SOARRING Foundation performed the blessing, echoing the cultural and historical significance of the bison on the continent. "It was a wonderful opportunity to bring [Judy’s] time with us here full circle and to honor our partnership with Midwest SOARRING Foundation through that prayer and blessing," Jennifer Baader, Brookfield's senior vice president of government affairs and community programming, told the Chicago Sun-Times.
In light of Judy's passing, the zoo maintains its compassionate approach toward its aging animal population. "We do things like weigh them more frequently, do more veterinary checks and keep a close eye on them," Joan Daniels said, as per the Chicago Sun-Times. She added, "We’ve tried pain management for her, as you would do with someone who’s aging, but noticed that she continued to look uncomfortable."
