The Little Rock Zoo is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Kayla, a beloved sloth bear and devoted mother to cubs Aish and Baiju. Kayla passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2026, following an acute and serious medical condition.
Over the week and a half preceding her passing, Kayla experienced intermittent vomiting. Her keepers also observed changes in the color of her gums and yellowing of her tissues, a condition known as jaundice that can indicate a problem with the liver or biliary system.
An emergency veterinary examination revealed a mass in her gallbladder. During emergency surgery to further investigate the mass, veterinarians discovered that it was completely obstructing the bile duct, preventing bile from flowing normally. Given the severity of the obstruction and the findings during surgery, the veterinary team made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Kayla to prevent further suffering.
The mass is suspected to be biliary adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer affecting the bile duct system that has been documented in adult sloth bears. Further laboratory examination of tissue samples is pending to confirm the diagnosis.
A Mother, a Teacher, and a Beloved Member of the Zoo Family
Kayla arrived at the Little Rock Zoo in November 2024, alongside Bhalu, a male sloth bear, on a temporary stay from the Philadelphia Zoo while construction of their new habitat was underway there. What began as a temporary visit became an extraordinary chapter in Kayla’s life and in the lives of the people who cared for her.
In late December 2025, Kayla gave birth to Aish and Baiju. Since their arrival, the cubs have continued to grow and reach important developmental milestones under their mother’s care. Watching Kayla raise her cubs offered Zoo staff and visitors alike a meaningful opportunity to observe the remarkable maternal behaviors of sloth bears and the early development of these fascinating animals.
Bhalu returned to the Philadelphia Zoo ahead of Kayla and the cubs, with plans for Kayla and her young offspring to join him once the cubs were old enough to travel. Although Kayla’s life ended before that reunion could take place, the time she spent in Little Rock left a lasting impression on the people and community who came to know her.
Her keeper, Claire McElroy, shared these heartfelt words:
“Kayla made a lasting impact in her short time here with us in Little Rock. She was incredibly smart, loved to train, and was one of the most beautiful bears I have ever worked with. She was an exceptional mother, and it was one of the highlights of my career getting to watch her raise Aish and Baiju. The bear building will not be the same without her.”
Another keeper, Kate Neal shared, “A true diva, Kayla loved treats and being the center of attention. Though Kayla did not stay with us for long, she was easy to love and being a part of her pregnancy was a special gift. Seeing the cubs on ultrasound and watching her be the most wonderful mother are memories I will hold forever. Kayla was a special bear, and the Zoo family is missing her tremendously.”
Zoo Director Altrui reflected on Kayla’s passing and the responsibility that comes with caring for the animals entrusted to the Zoo:
“It is always a sad day when we have to say goodbye to one of our animal residents. They are our teachers, our partners, and our family. Every decision for their health is guided by one question: What is best for this animal’s long-term well-being? We will always make decisions with the animal’s long-term health as our guiding priority.”
Kayla’s Legacy Lives On
Kayla leaves behind her two young cubs, the dedicated teams who cared for her in both Little Rock and Philadelphia, and two communities united in their affection for her.
Her time at the Little Rock Zoo was shorter than anyone had hoped, but the significance of her presence cannot be measured in years alone. Through her intelligence, her willingness to participate in training, and, most memorably, her devoted care of Aish and Baiju, Kayla helped deepen our understanding and appreciation of sloth bears.
For those who cared for her each day, she was more than an animal in their care. She was a remarkable individual with her own personality, a mother whose early days with her cubs became treasured memories, and a valued member of the Zoo family.
As the Little Rock Zoo mourns Kayla’s loss, its staff remain committed to the continued health, care, and development of Aish and Baiju. The cubs are being monitored closely, and their welfare is being evaluated on-site by animal care professionals. They are eating and snuggling together and interacting with their primary caregivers.
Her legacy will live on through her cubs and through the lasting memories she leaves with everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
