We’ve posted many times when animals die. Every time is hard. Some times are very hard. This is one of those times for so many people. Keepers arrived this morning to find Max dead. This was unexpected as all appeared fine Saturday.
Dr. Cannedy has been here to check things out initially. After that, Max was taken for further testing to see if we can learn why he died. (An autopsy on an animal is called a necropsy).
Max arrived at the Museum in October of 2007 as a 3 week old calf. He gained many fans (and about 1800 pounds) while here and he will be missed very much.
Click on the links below to see previous blog posts about our beloved bovine.
Video of Max. (Here too… and here as a younger steer)
Perhaps my favorite Blog post was his Personal Ad. And, let’s not forget Max’s first Christmas at the Museum when I let him out (by accident). He ran and ran and ran and ran and ran until I made him a bottle to get him to come back. So many good memories of him, but so sad to think there won’t be anymore.
Words cannot express how sad we all are. Max meant so much to us ( mainly me). Good bye sweet boy… Will always love you
So very sorry for all of your loss. Remember the good times and life you gave him.
Oh no. Max will be missed by our entire family!
Our whole family loved Max and we will miss him so much. We were so sad when we saw the sign today in the barnyard that he had passed. He was such a loving and playful animal. We will miss you Max!
Max was an institution. We rubbed his nose just yesterday. My son will be devastated. We are so sorry for your loss. The big ranch in the sky just got a good one.
I’m crying real tears over Max. I can’t imagine the barnyard without him.
My family loved Max! he brought us joy and was truly our favorite stop at the museum. So sorry and sad to hear of thus loss.
My sad heart goes out to all keepers…thank you!
Sad news. Bon voyage, Max. See you in the great haybarn in the sky!
I am so sad to hear about Max! He was my favorite animal to visit while at the museum. He will truly be missed!
Many condolences to all the Museum family at Max’s unexpected passing. I am sure that very many and all of N’gate park are wishing you caring thoughts, with many great memories of his joyous time with all of us.
Best, D Hawkins, President, N’gate Pk N’hood Association
So very sorry for your loss. Max was the best — always so friendly and patient with the little ones. We just visited with him on Saturday. Thinking of you.
RIP Sweet Max. My heart goes out to all the keepers and the museum family as well.
We are saddened to hear that Max passed away. We just saw him on Saturday and he seemed more active then ever. He was very interactive and friendly with everyone. Max will truly be missed as he we looked forward to seeing him on our visits.
This is truly sad news. He was our favorite animal to visit at the museum. Rest in peace big guy 🙁
It was never really a perfect trip to the museum unless I got covered in some Max slober. I shed quite a few tears when I heard he had moved on to greener pastures. I know how loved he was by not just your keepers and staff but, by the community as a whole. Just know that you guys do amazing work and the love and care you put towards all your animals is apparent each time I visit the museum. I’m sending happy thoughts to all of you in Max’s honor today.
It was never really a perfect trip to the museum unless I got covered in some Max slober. I shed quite a few tears when I heard he had moved on to greener pastures. I know how loved he was by not just your keepers and staff but, by the community as a whole. Just know that you guys do amazing work and the love and care you put towards all your animals is apparent each time I visit the museum. I’m sending happy thoughts to all of you in Max’s honor today. He will be missed!
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember everyone participating in the contest to name our new calf. When I speak with visitors, many tell me that their favorite thing about the museum was visiting Max. My favorite memory is the greeting that he would give, especially if you were wearing purple.
We are SO saddened by this news. We were there yesterday and promised our little girl she would see Max so you can imagine our surprise when we arrived at his area, excited for some cow lovin’ and he was gone. Words cannot describe how we are feeling. Please keep us all posted on what happened exactly. How long are these guys supposed to live?
I’m so saddened by this news! Max got to the museum the same time I started working there. I loved getting disgusting Max kisses! My condolences to all current staff- especially the animal department. I feel so sad for the keepers that had to find him as well. Max was amazing thanks to the great care you all gave him. He will surely be missed!
I am so heartbroken to hear about your loss. My husband, kids, and I all ADORE Max. We have 3-year-old triplets, and when they were babies, my husband and I would strap them into strollers/carriers and come to the Barnyard, more for our sanity/change of scenery than theirs. When my kids were learning to talk and wanted to go to the Museum, they would say that they wanted to go to see the “cow” (we thought they were a bit young to correct their terminology), and when we now practice the alphabet, “M” is for “Max”. He will be truly missed by our entire family and by many of our friends and relatives who have come to visit Durham and left with fond memories of the museum and, especially, Max. <3
Max would always come up to the gate for a pat on the nose when my daughter came by. Occasionally he’d even “talk” with us for a bit. We miss scout terribly and Penny and I will miss Max even more 🙁
So sorry to hear this! One of our favorite animals to visit.
Saddened by the news of Great Max’s passing. I remember when my son was a baby Max mooed so loud , my son cried like he never had before! Max loved ear rubs and scratches, and fresh grass too. We will miss you max !
Max would ALWAYS come over for shoulder skritches, and I really felt like he *knew* me. I’m really gonna miss his larger than life presence, and his wonderful nature. My heart goes out to everyone who knew him even better than I did, everyone who will miss him, everyone who found a friend in Max. We’ll miss you, buddy.
Another Max memory which makes me smile….him slobbering on my friend’s daughter’s long hair and we all loved his great personality!!!
We are very sad to hear that Max is gone. Our sons dn daughter loved him a lot and will miss him. Our condolences to all the museum staff who cared for this sweet animal.
Dear Max, Mommy just told me that you decided to move to the Moon yesterday and have already gone there. It’s too bad that I didn’t get a chance to say good-bye to you. Well, I just wanted to say that I loved you and thank you for lots pictures taken with me. And I miss you already!
We will miss your soft nose and gentle eyes, Max. Thank you for all the joy you brought us over the years.
Last summer my son was potty training and wanted to tell Max that he pottied in the big boy potty everyday for two weeks!! He would stand at his gate, smiling and chatter away to Max. Such a great memory.
My kids loved Max. He was so gentle.