Ho Ho the Sun Bear | Credit: Topeka Zoo

Ho Ho the Sun Bear (1989-2024)

Obituary

Ho Ho, a 35-year-old male sun bear, died on November 25 at the Topeka Zoo in Topeka, KS after spending his entire life in captivity.

Ho Ho was born into captivity at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, WA on October 19, 1989. He also lived at the Henry Doorly Zoo for a time before coming to Topeka in 2017. He was well-known locally and online in part for his age, as well as for his distinct facial expressions (a droopy tongue and missing teeth). Following his death, the Topeka Zoo has continued to sell holiday-themed apparel featuring his likeness.

Although Ho Ho spent his entire life in the United States, sun bears are native to parts of Asia including Thailand and Malaysia. Per the IUCN Red List, sun bears are decreasing and are considered Vulnerable. They face threats due to growing agriculture and transportation, as well as the global wildlife trade for traditional medicine.

If you are interested in protecting bears while traveling and supporting animal-friendly attractions, we encourage you to avoid zoos. Instead, visit and support accredited sanctuaries or watch our livestream from the Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Romania online anytime.

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