Ralph Mitchell Zoo in Independence announces one of its bison has died.

According to zoo officials, the 12 ½-year-old male bison named Eeyore was humanely euthanized on December 18 due to failing health. Eeyore was born at Ralph Mitchell Zoo in April 2013 and had lived a long life in Independence. Zoo staff initially noticed his declining health over the summer and attempted to increase his mineral intake in hopes of helping the animal recover. Eeyore also began losing weight and was having difficulty shedding and growing his winter coat. Testing after his death, showed several serious chronic diseases in the animal, including myocarditis and an inflammatory bowel. The average bison can live 10 to 20 years.