GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — John Ball Zoo held a teddy bear drive from Oct. 5 through 19 to honor the passing of their male brown bear, Yogi.
Yogi far exceeded his life expectancy, the zoo said, and over time he developed arthritis. Despite medications to help his pain, he began to experience severe mobility issues.
The zoo had to immobilize him to examine his arthritis, and the ability to regain control of Yogi's discomfort was no longer a realistic solution, the zoo said.
Since his death, the community donated over 900 teddy bears to the zoo. Trucks from the zoo set off to deliver all of the bears to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital on Oct. 20.
John Ball Zoo donates over 900 teddy bears to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital
“We pass out many stuffed animals every day to brighten a child’s stay especially if they forgot their treasured stuffed animal or lovey at home. Thank you for helping us make their hospital stay a little bit better with something to hold and hug," said Jeannine Brown, child life special project coordinator, Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
Yogi's keepers said he was a gentle giant who was a joy to work with. The zoo hopes the teddy bears can comfort children as they undergo medical procedures and heal.
“We are heartened that our community showed so much support and love for Yogi, who was a beloved member of our Zoo family, and the children at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital,” said Jaime Racalla, zookeeper supervisor at John Ball Zoo. “We hope these teddy bears bring some comfort for children and their families as they navigate health issues. Thank you to our community for supporting John Ball Zoo’s remembrance of Yogi.”
Helen DeVos accepts donations year-round for comforting and fun items with tags attached for children who are staying there.
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