NC Museum of Life and Science announces death of beloved black bear 'Mama Gus'

The Museum of Life and Science announced on Monday the death of a beloved black bear. 

Gus, an 18-year-old American black bear, had been part of the museum experience and family since 2006.

During an examination by veterinarians from the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, an inoperable cancerous mass was found near Gus’ heart and lungs. He was euthanized on Wednesday.

This past week, after animal care staff noticed a dramatic change in Gus’ behavior, veterinarians were brought to campus to sedate Gus and perform a physical. Given the mass' prognosis – and Gus' age and condition – the team made the difficult decision to euthanize him. The museum said the animal care staff were able to spend time with him and say goodbye.

"Gus was one of those souls that brought people (and bears) together," said Senior Director of Animal Care Sherry Samuels. "His behavior with other bears, young and old, as well as what he did on his own, has made many of us smile, laugh, moan, roll our eyes and just look at him in awe."

Gus’ body and cells will be donated to a number of cancer research organizations, all with the same goal of helping to understand and treat cancer in both humans and animals.

Born in February 2006, Gus arrived at the Museum from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries as an orphaned 5-month-old cub. When wildlife officials determined Gus would not be a candidate for release, they contacted the museum, which was able to provide him with a forever home.

Often known to staff and guests as “Mama Gus,” the museum said Gus raised several of the museum’s bears as they grew over the years. The museum said Little Bear, Murray and the late Yona learned bear behaviors from Gus, thanks to his patient nature.

"While I sit with this huge hole, I also have immense gratitude," Samuels said. "Gratitude for how Gus impacted so many so positively. Gratitude for the veterinary team who cared for Gus so quickly and thoughtfully in his last days and minutes. I am so appreciative that Gus will live on not just in stories told of him by people I know, but likely hundreds if not thousands of people I don’t."

The museum said Gus is deeply missed by staff and visitors. He leaves behind Mimi (20), Little Bear (3) and Murray (1) – the three remaining black bears at the museum.