COLUMBUS, Ohio — Bruce, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s bat-eared fox, has passed away.
The zoo announced his death Friday, saying that Bruce’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of meeting him.
Bruce, who also went by the names “Brucie,” “Boots” or “Brother,” introduced the zoo’s visitors to the bat-eared fox species from Africa. He was named after the legendary superhero Bruce Wayne.
Though the zoo’s medicine and animal care teams worked to manage his long-term health issues, recent bloodwork during a routine exam showed a decline in his condition.
“After realizing that continued medical management was no longer possible, the care teams made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him,” the zoo said in a statement.
The zoo said his “playful spirit and unique personality” made him an unforgettable part of Jack Hanna’s Animal Encounters Village in the Adventure Cove region.
“We will forever miss his joyful zoomies, his endearing smile with those tiny teeth, his excitement for finding crickets, and his peaceful sunbathing moments with his sister,” the post read. “He was a master at scent marking, a true star in training sessions, and one of our most photogenic and beloved animals for guest engagement.”
In March, Bruce’s sister Ivy passed away from diabetes, a condition that is difficult to manage in animals. Bruce and Ivy came to the zoo as kits in the spring of 2019 and quickly made the zoo their home.
📺 10TV+ is available for free: Stay up to date on what's happening in your community with a 24/7 live stream and on demand content from 10TV — available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV.
📧 Subscribe to the Wake Up CBUS newsletter featuring the best stories, personally curated by members of our staff and delivered via email by 6 a.m., Monday through Friday.