Beloved Black Bear At Lacey's Popcorn Park Zoo Dies

LACEY, NJ — After 25 years of bringing joy to zoogoers, a mainstay of the Popcorn Park Animal Refuge has died.

BooBoo the black bear, 27, lived a "very fulfilling life, surrounded by all who loved her dearly," staff from the refuge said in a social media post announcing her death. According to the National Wildlife Federation, while black bears can live up to 30 in the wild, most die before their 20s - meaning BooBoo certainly enjoyed a long life.

Veterinarians and staff worked tirelessly to take care of BooBoo, but the last few months were quite difficult for her, and staff "had to make the incredibly difficult decision to say goodbye."

"Her passing has left us all heartbroken but we are so honored to have provided her sanctuary for the past 25 years," staff said.

As a young bear, BooBoo was traded as a down payment for a car and then used for promotional purposes to gain sales for the business.

"Thankfully, the authorities stepped in to BooBoo's aid, as that was no life for a bear," staff said, and in 1998, Popcorn Park became BooBoo's forever home. She quickly became a favorite among visitors.

"As she spent her days swimming in the water, munching on peanuts, and snoozing in the sunshine, her story touched countless of lives about the importance of protecting, preserving, and coexisting with wildlife," staff said. "BooBoo will forever hold a special place in our hearts and her memory will live on in the work we do."