Baloo the bear, final member of 'BLT' at Noahs Ark Animal Sanctuary, dies
Image 0 of 28
Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary is a non-profit sanctuary that provides abused, unwanted and neglected animals a place to live. It's in Locust Grove.
The sanctuary gained a lot of notoriety nearly 25 years ago when a bear, a tiger and a lion were confiscated and came to live together at Noah's Ark.
The three were Baloo the bear, Leo the lion, and Shere Khan the tiger.
Leo the lion and Shere Khan the tiger had already passed away and Noah's Ark announced that Baloo, the final member of the BLT has died.
Noah's Ark noted on its Instagram page, "This spring, Baloo emerged from hibernation slower than usual. While arthritis had long been a part of his life, something had changed. After what appeared to be a misstep, his mobility significantly declined, and his appetite followed. From the very beginning, our animal care team and veterinary staff monitored him closely, adjusting medications and prioritizing his comfort every step of the way.
We collaborated with specialists at the University of Georgia to exhaust all diagnostic possibilities. Though CT imaging was not possible due to Baloo’s size, we conducted X-rays and multiple tests, ruling out fractures and breaks. Sadly, the cause of his immobility was likely rooted in his spine—an area we could not safely image or treat effectively.
After careful consultation with our team of care and medical professionals, and with Baloo’s comfort and dignity at the center of every conversation, we made the difficult but compassionate decision to proceed with humane euthanasia. It was the kindest path to preserve the quality of life he deserved.
Baloo passed peacefully, surrounded by those who have loved and cared for him so deeply. His ashes will return to Noah’s Ark and rest beside his brothers."
Baloo had lived at the facility for more than 23 years.
Noah's Ark Sanctuary originally opened in Ellenwood in 1978, before moving to its current location in 1990.
Here are some more photos from Noahs Ark Animal Sanctuary.
Here is another unusual pairing. Doc the Bengal tiger was rescued from an overcrowded breeding facility. When he went to Noah’s Ark, the staff temporarily put Doc and Little Anne together so they could have the company of other animals. Then something strange happened. One night, before falling asleep, Anne climbed on top of Doc and began sucking on his ears, making a humming noise that soothed her right to sleep! Here they are pictured when they first came to Noah's Ark.
Here are some more photos from Noahs Ark Animal Sanctuary.
Here are some more photos from Noahs Ark Animal Sanctuary.
Here are some more photos from Noah's Ark Sanctuary.
Here are some more photos from Noah's Ark Sanctuary.
"Some people have exotics as pets such as monkeys and, believe it or not, lions and tigers and bears, and then they get out of hand and they either surrender them to us or they are confiscated by either the Department of Natural Resources or the U.S. Department of Agriculture."
Here are some more photos from Noahs Ark Animal Sanctuary.
Here are some more photos from Noahs Ark Animal Sanctuary.
Here are some more photos from Noahs Ark Animal Sanctuary.
Here are some more photos from Noahs Ark Animal Sanctuary.
Here are some more photos from Noah's Ark Sanctuary.
Here are some more photos from Noahs Ark Animal Sanctuary.
Here are some more photos from Noah's Ark Sanctuary.
Here are some more photos from Noah's Ark Sanctuary.
Here are some more photos from Noahs Ark Animal Sanctuary.
Here are some more photos from Noah's Ark Sanctuary.
