TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A brown bear rescued from a circus and beloved at Taipei Zoo for nearly two decades was euthanized Tuesday after the return of mammary cancer, per CNA.

Little Chiao (小喬) was at least 24 years old. She was first diagnosed with a tumor during a health check two years ago, which was removed, but the cancer later metastasized to her lungs.

In March, she underwent a second surgery but the tumor could not be fully removed. In recent weeks, she suffered labored breathing, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

As her condition worsened, an animal welfare assessment team decided to euthanize her to minimize suffering and allow her to die with dignity, CNA reported the zoo as saying.

Little Chiao was taken in by the zoo in 2006 after being abandoned by a circus. Keepers and visitors remembered her for her lively personality and her love of swimming, digging, and exploring her enclosure.