Bear Hollow Zoo in Athens, Georgia, is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved residents. Yonah, an American black bear who had called the zoo home for 15 years, was humanely euthanized on November 1 following a rapid decline in her health.
According to a release from Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services, Yonah and her sister Athena both began showing signs of respiratory illness in October. While Athena tested positive for influenza and has since made a full recovery, Yonah’s condition deteriorated significantly, developing into severe pneumonia.
Yonah’s care team worked closely with specialists at the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital before making the difficult decision. After consultation, veterinary staff determined that euthanasia was the most humane option available to prevent further suffering.
Athena remains at Bear Hollow Zoo and is expected to continue living there. Zoo visitors who knew the sisters will find some comfort in knowing that Athena pulled through and is recovering well.
A Life Well Lived at Bear Hollow
Yonah and Athena arrived at Bear Hollow Zoo together in 2010 as cubs, and quickly became fixtures of the community. For years, the two sisters shared their space with DJ, another American black bear who had lived at the zoo since 2006. DJ passed away in May 2025 at the age of 22, leaving Yonah and Athena as the zoo’s remaining bear residents.
Just months before her passing, Yonah was the guest of honor at a Sweet 16 birthday celebration in May, an event that drew visitors of all ages. For many regular guests, she was a familiar and comforting presence — often spotted lounging in her hammock or making her way up her favorite tree.
Zoo staff and the broader Athens community are remembering Yonah as more than just an animal exhibit. She was a companion, a fixture of childhood memories, and a symbol of the zoo’s commitment to wildlife care. For those who visited Bear Hollow over the years, her absence will be felt deeply. Information about Bear Hollow Zoo and its animals can be found through local coverage and Athens-Clarke County community updates.
