Those at Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian have told of their "greatest sadness" after Henk the brown bear died unexpectedly.
The "beautiful brown bear boy" passed away in his sleep on Wednesday night after a short and sudden illness.
The West Calder zoo announced the sad news on social media this afternoon, and hundreds of people commented to express their sympathy.
Henk arrived at the zoo with his sister Eso after being rescued from "horrendous conditions" in a tiny cage outside a restaurant in Albania.
Five Sisters Zoo added that he loved playing with Eso, chasing butterflies and digging up flower bulbs.
Sharing news of Henk's passing, they said: "He was a gentle giant, loved by all at the zoo who got to know him. He and his sister Eso have done so well since being rescued from their horrendous conditions in a tiny cage outside a roadside restaurant in Albania.
"Henk loved playing with his sister and exploring his large woodland enclosure, chasing butterflies and digging up flower bulbs.
"After a few days sudden illness, and despite specialist veterinary care, he sadly passed away in his sleep last night. We are all very sad, and awaiting the results of a detailed external post-mortem to understand things better."
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