Yona, a 14-year-old black bear at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, passed away recently after having several health issues, museum officials announced Tuesday.

What You Need To Know

  • A 14-year-old black bear named Yona has died at the Durham Life and Science Museum

  • Yona showed signs of discomfort and surgery was performed on her at N.C. State

  • Veterinarians worked to save Yona, but ultimately the team determined she needed to be euthanized

She arrived at the museum Jan. 15, 2010 from the Appalachian Bear Rescue, an organization dedicated to recovering and releasing injured bears. Unlike other bears, Yona loved human contact so much she was not released back in the wild, according to a news release from the museum.

Several weeks ago, the animal care team observed Yona showing signs of discomfort and later revealed that she had issues with her urinary and reproductive tracks that required surgery, Matt Pusateri, senior director of communications, said in the release.

Last week, she was taken to N.C. State to a team of more than 50 veterinarians, technicians and students that worked to help save Yona. The team later discovered more health issues, resulting in no other options for the animal. She died May 19.  

“After 10 hours of surgery, with no other options, the need to euthanize Yona was heartbreaking but clear,” Senior Director of Animal Care Sherry Samuels said. 

Yona was described as an active and silly bear that always played with tree limbs or enrichment toys in the habitat, according to the release. 

Yona leaves behind Mimi, Gus and Little Bear, the three remaining black bears at the museum. For more about Yona's life at the museum, visit Samuels’ thoughtful and sincere tribute.