Beloved Bear Hollow Zoo Resident DJ the Bear Passes Away
Bear Hollow Zoo recently announced the passing of one of its cherished residents, DJ the bear. The decision to humanely euthanize DJ was made last Friday, May 30th, due to his declining health. This sad news follows just a month after the bears’ birthday celebrations at the zoo.
DJ was suffering from spinal osteoarthritis, a condition he was diagnosed with back in 2022. In addition, a recent diagnosis in Fall 2024 revealed he had developed left-sided heart disease. Unfortunately, both conditions are incurable in bears, prompting the difficult decision for euthanasia. Throughout his time at Bear Hollow, DJ received excellent care and was especially pampered with his favorite treat, coconut, during his final days.
Having arrived at Bear Hollow in 2006 from the Elijay Wildlife Rehab Sanctuary, DJ spent many years in the company of fellow bears Athena and Yonah, who joined him as cubs in 2010. His days were filled with relaxation and play, creating fond memories for both staff and visitors alike.
The zoo’s announcement about DJ’s passing was shared on Instagram, where visitors expressed their sorrow and reminisced about their favorite moments with him.
