###

The Sequoia Park Zoo posted the following on social media:

Sequoia Park Zoo is devastated by the loss of our beloved Noni bear.
On the afternoon of Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Noni was rushed to another emergency surgery to evaluate the severity of her condition. Even after the constriction had been removed and despite the life-saving efforts of her care team, it was discovered that the trauma to her colon was irreversible, and the organ had been unable to recover.

Noni as a cub

Noni was found orphaned in Shasta County in early spring of 2022 and was taken to Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care for rehabilitation, and she met and bonded with another bear cub named Tule. When California Department of Fish and Wildlife determined that they were not suitable for release, Noni and Tule were placed at Sequoia Park Zoo where they would become ambassadors for their species and help educate guests about living with wildlife.

Animal care staff are giving Tule extra attention while he adjusts to this new normal, and they report that he is eating well and interacting with enrichment. However, we remind visitors that Tule might choose to spend more time in the patio and night house, and he might not always be visible to guests.

During her too-short time at the Zoo, Noni delighted staff, volunteers, and visitors with her silly antics and goofy personality. Noni particularly enjoyed playing in bubbles and splashing in water, and zookeepers often joked about needing to get her a hot tub for the backyard.

Noni was a truly beautiful bear with a gorgeous coat, long eyelashes, blonde eyebrows, and a perfectly heart-shaped nose that would wiggle as she sniffed out her favorite treats, including peanuts, yogurt, and honey.

Affectionately called “twinkle toes” by her caretakers, Noni would often perch herself on the thinnest branches at the top of the redwoods, while guests marveled at how she managed to balance so effortlessly.

Noni brought so much joy to our Zoo, and it is impossible to express the depths of our sadness at the passing of our sweet bear. These past few days have been incredibly difficult for the Zoo team, especially for Noni’s dedicated caretakers, and we appreciate the care and support shown by our community. The loss of a beloved member of our animal family has a profound impact that never gets easier, and we know that our community is mourning alongside us. Please consider sharing a favorite photo or memory of Noni below, and donations in Noni’s honor may be made to the Animal Enrichment Fund at redwoodzoo.org/donate.

We are so fortunate to have been able to care for Noni, and we will miss her deeply.