Beloved Bear Hollow Zoo Resident Yonah Euthanized Amid Illness
In a heartfelt decision, Bear Hollow Zoo has announced the humane euthanasia of their cherished American black bear, Yonah, on November 1. The news was shared via a statement from Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services, marking a somber moment for the zoo community.
Both Yonah and her sister, Athena, began exhibiting respiratory issues in October. Unfortunately, Yonah’s condition progressed into severe pneumonia. Athena, on the other hand, tested positive for influenza and has since made a full recovery, remaining a resident at the zoo.
The decision to euthanize Yonah was made after her care team collaborated with the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital staff. They concluded that euthanasia was the most compassionate choice to prevent further suffering.
Yonah and Athena have been a part of the Bear Hollow Zoo family since 2010, joining as cubs. They spent many years alongside DJ, another American black bear who joined the zoo in 2006 and passed away in May 2025 at the age of 22.
In May, Yonah and Athena celebrated a milestone 16th birthday with a lively Sweet 16 party, an event that delighted visitors of all ages. Yonah was known for her relaxed demeanor, often seen lounging in her hammock or scaling her favorite tree.
