Tribute to Bubba

"I only met Bubba once, but it was such a wonderful experience that the news of his death brought tears to my eyes. In my support staff role/career at Hayward Community Schools, I spent one year working with disabled high school students. Since I was a zoo member, but rarely ever got to visit the zoo, I talked the teachers into a field trip.

I stood above the polar bears with a very autistic boy. He rarely laughed, rarely showed any emotion, displayed "nerves" in physical ailments and his parents were divorcing. All of a sudden, a red ball came over and landed at his feet! We didn't know what to do with it, so we dropped it back down. Back it came!! Oh, he played so long with that bear! And he laughed so and he smiled!! We let him play until he just had to go home. He brought it up for days after that. Tap my shoulder, "bear, bear."

He moved away with his mother shortly after that school year ended and I have moved on to a different job in the school.

[I have] met many unique and loved animals, but never have I been to a zoo with someone like Bubba"
 

One of our first dates; we went to the zoo and walked up around the corner from seeing Bubba swim. Just then the red ball came flying over the wall and bouncing in front of us. We looked around no one was there. We peered over the fence and saw that face looking up like, 'Yay, dummie. Throw the ball.' We threw it back to him and few seconds later here comes the ball. Playing catch with Bubba and throwing him a few pieces of apple that a keeper gave us quite the story to tell our friends. That was five years ago. We send our sympathies to the LSZoo family,
Lea & Mitch
Duluth

We will never make it up to the land of the polar bears, so visiting the bears at the zoo was always a treat. We brought our daughter there many times when she was young, and the polar bears were the star attraction for her. We love the zoo and will continue to go there. Our hope is that Berlin will live a long life. Bubba, you are missed!
cathy sylvester
duluth

Last summer, on one of our many trips to the zoo, we made our usual stop at the polar bears. The red ball had been thrown up to and caught in the fence. The ever-playful Bubba was waiting for it to be thrown back. We were able to reach it and throw it to him. Soon, we were playing catch! My four- and six-year-olds loved it and still comment about it over a year later. They know that Berlin is sad because his friend went to live in heaven. Rest in peace, Bubba.
Mike
Superior

My late Dad got to see Bubba and Berlin hugging each other in May 2004, He said "That is the best couple I've seen, they act better than human couples." I saw Bubba and Berlin playing in August 2006. I feel so sad for Berlin to loose her friend.
sherri
minneapolis

when i first saw bubba, i knew i would love him. i love you and miss you!!!!!
Alissa
duluth , minnosta

Once i went to the zoo for a class feild trip in 3rd or 2nd grade and we went to look at the polar bears and we got to see both.We were a playing with the big blue ball with them.It was fun and now all my love and heart goes to bubba as he has left us with wonderful memories.
Samantha Midbon
Superior,WI

I will miss Bubba but lease they got Berlin left . Now I bet Berlin is sad when Bubba past away. But hope they can get another Polar Bear name it Bubba J.R again. But I seen Berlin today August 31st 2007 and he was more happy before Bubba died. I wish Bubba did'nt die but he did. When I seen the exhibit today it remind me of Bubba. I will miss you Bubba at the zoo!
Stephani, Sherri
Duluth Mn

I met Bubba when he first came to the zoo. I took my 6 year old son to see him for the first time last year but my son never got to see him cause he wasn't in the pen. My sisters tried calling him out into the water but he was too lazy or tired. I cried so bad when i found out he passed away. I wish my son was able to see him before he passed away. My family and i will miss him very much. I wish i would have taken pictures when i had the chance. We will miss you and we will always remember you I wish i could have been there for your remembrance Bubba. You will be missed.
Tammy
Hayward, Wisconsin

its sad that hes gone but berlin still there
hunterwillmore
superior wi

When I went to the zoo for the first time as a Duluth Native, was when our baby was born, I was so happy that we had such a awesome duo, Bubba (with hs big red ball) and Berlin, I found myself in love with them both just as our daughter did. He would love to swim under the water on his back and look in the glass, just like a kid- he wanted to make sure that all eyes were on him! And happy when we would be looking at him in awe! It brings tears to our eyes that Berlin has lost a family member, I can only hope that our little zoo can keep up with the cutbacks and stay open. That would be to much to "bear" if Berlin had to move too! Our love for Bubba is huge, he was the best bear! We can only hope that he did not suffer
Lisa Lou, Sacha Sophie Lou, Larry
Duluth, MN

I loved Bubba I remember at an overnight at the zoo we had for Junior Docents and while we were playin capture the flag I wuz runnin by his exhibit and all of a sudden the boomer ball comes flyin out of the exhibit I walk over there and there's Bubba standin on the rock island waitin for the ball to come back so I tossed it in the water and after a while he threw it again we played for awhile then he decided it wuz time to sleep. I will also remember everyday when we walked by and he and sometimes berlin were swimming and our supervisor would say the way they swim just makes it look so fun. I will miss Bubba and I believe that he touched many lives and helped so the playful side of polar bears.
Richard
Clear Lake

bubba waz a hero, an american icon. it waz hard to see him and his heroic stature gone. he waz a big guy. a friend to many. Please put a memorial by the pb exzibit it would be nice 2 see people stopping and seeing that more then a bear waz here. i know i stop by there alot and noticed him and it wont be the same 2 see just 1 bear. Thank you 4 taking time out of your busy day and reading this.
Chris
Duluth

It will never be the same again going to the zoo and not seeing my friend Bubba. I live very close to the zoo and i go there often. I would stop and look at Bubba everytime I past by his exhibit. I will miss seeing him. I will definetely be at his memorial service!
Courtney
Duluth

I've been so excited planning our first trip to Duluth and convincing my husband to attend the LS Zoo. I have seen the website how your polar bears interact with each other, the zoo keepers and sometimes the guests. I love polar bears and the ones at Como Zoo don't seem to be as happy as the ones at LS Zoo and was looking forward to seeing polar bears that love to play. My most sincere sympathy to all that Bubba has come in contact with and impacted. I'm sad knowing I didn't get the chance to meet him.
Melissa
Wisconsin

I just heard the news about Bubba and I am deeply saddened. I remember the first time I ever seen Bubba. I was the only one viewing him from above and he was playing with part of a five gallon bucket. He got in on his paws and threw it up and over the railing and it landed next to me. I thought it was an accident even though he was down there looking at me as if he was waiting for me to throw it back. When I threw it back he played with it and threw it back up to me and I new then it was no accident. He did it a third time and then a group of people came over and he stopped. That was the only time he ever did that and I will never forget it or him. We went to the Zoo everytime we were in Duluth even if it was just for the day just to see Bubba. My wife and kids grew very fond of him as well. We vacation on the North Shore almost every year and although we try to do different things each time going to the zoo to see Bubba was always first on the list. I love bears and actually got tears in my eyes when I read about his death. The zoo will not be the same without him and he will be missed by many. My deepest sympathy goes out to those who cared for Bubba through all his years. Bubba we love Ya big guy !!!
Bryan
North Branch, MN

I was online planning our trip to Duluth. I was so sad to hear about Bubba. My husband and I will always remember Bubba playing catch with his big red ball. We are planning a trip to the Superior zoo tomorrow, and I was looking forward to bringing our daughter just to show her Bubba. My families hearts go out to the zoo staff.
Melanie
Rice, MN

bubba, i'm sorry you died. i will miss seeing you.
Laura
Duluth, MN

Caro and I wish to extend our condolences for the loss of Bubba yesterday. We are living in Memphis and just spent the last 3 hours with Peyton, Cranberry, and Haley the Memphis PB's. We have enjoyed visiting with Berlin and Bubba on many occasions when we were back in Duluth. (Our hometown) Caro and I are very fond of the Polar Bears and this is very Sad news. Is there a chance for a replacement??? We are both pilots and zoo fanatics and will become docents either here or there depending on where we finally end up living... Again if there is something we can do please feel free to contact us at this email... Thanks for making the Duluth/Superior Zoo the best for the animals and the public.
Gordon & Caro

Dear zoo staff,
I was deeply saddened – to tears – to hear of Bubba’s death this evening. We have been coming to the zoo since moving to the northland in 1995 and have been members since 2002. Our 6-year-old son has wanted to be a zookeeper since he could talk and he is also so sad about Bubba. I’m 36 and still get that “little kid” feeling every time we go to the zoo. Bubba has ALWAYS been my favorite animal at the lszoo. I have to beg to see him (and Berlin) first thing off the bat! I don’t usually win but saving my time for him near the end of our zoo trips always means I get to watch him a little longer. We have traveled to many zoos since our son has such a sparked interest and I’ve never seen a healthier looking, seemingly content polar bear. Many of the others seem to have the same pattern of behavior day in and day out and our (your) polar bears never have that sad look! I think we’ve photographed/videotaped Bubba nearly every visit and some may wonder why but now I know. He feels like part of our family! Watching his fur gracefully shimmy as he swam past the underwater window was mesmerizing! His enormity and personality were so entertaining! The way he sunned himself on the rocks and let the world pass by as he took a long overdue nap always made me want to join in! I can’t imagine what it is like for your staff to lose a member of your animal family. I’m having a really difficult time and I’m only a visitor! Bless you all for the work that you do – especially under recent scrutiny. The animals are clearly well cared for and loved.

Rest in peace Bubba. There are plenty of fish to be caught and balls to be thrown where you are headed.
Sincerely,
Annalisa
Tofte, MN

Ever since I can remember, Bubba and Berlin have been the main attraction at the zoo. I was only two years old when they were brought here and what a joy they have brought to the community since then. They bring (Bubba brought) so many smiles and memories to people of all ages, and Bubba will truely be missed. When I heard the news I was so devastated because it was so unexpected. I can't imagine lsz without him, and I am deeply saddened that he is gone. His playfulness will not be forgotten -- the way he played "catch" with the ball or swam so gracefully, so content with his surroundings. Hopefully, within time, the zoo can regain its accredidation with the AZA and Berlin can live out her last years without the longing for a friend. Bubba, we miss you!
Duluth

Words can't express my sorrow over the loss of our beloved polar bear. I'm a proud member of the Lake Superior Zoo and strongly support the Zoo, the caring staff and all of the wonderful animals who bring so much joy to so many people. I feel fortunate to have taken so many lovely photos of Bubba and he will not be forgotten. I join with previous comments in calling for a permanent memorial for Bubba and urge everyone to SUPPORT the Zoo's efforts in this regard and in their daily mission. The Lake Superior Zoo is an important part of our community and it's our responsibility to nurture its growth.
Duluth, MN

We will always remember playing catch with Bubba on his Birthday and him and Berlin eating there ice cream bucket fish popsicle. Always first and last our two girls always wanted to go to the polor bears. So we will keep all our memories of Bubba. Please have a tribute wall of pictures of Bubba life at the Zoo.
Hoyt Lakes, MN

Bubba will be missed greatly! Bubba had a very good life consisting of playing ball with his friend Dick Simmons and swimming in his pool! Dick spent years contributing to Bubba's and Berlin's well being. I think there should be both a dedication to Dick and Bubba. They had a special bond betweeen the two of them that no words can describe...
two harbors

Bubba was one of my reasons for going to the zoo. I could sit at just watch him an berlin for hours. I was very sad when heard about Bubba, my prayers go out the zoo staff and to BERLIN.
duluth

Bubba was a good polerbear. The polerbears is one of reasons I go there. I was crying so hard for a long time yesterday because Bubba died And We will never forget Bubba and we will miss him. Good by bubba and Berlin will never forget you.
Isaiah
Duluth

Back in 1993, when I was 8 years old, I remember I visited the Lake Superior Zoo and I stopped to visit the polar bears. I remember there was a man standing next to me with a big red ball and he was talking to Bubba and having him do diving tricks. Every once in a while he'd toss the ball in and Bubba would play with it. Being a little girl, I was fascinated by this and I loved to watch Bubba splash around and get on the huge rock in the center of the watering hole. The next day, there was a photo in the paper of the man who was standing next to me and he was holding the red ball and talking to Bubba. I thought it was super exciting because I had been there that day. I cut out the picture and caption and I have the clipping to this day. I've probably been to the zoo about 10 times since then, and every single time I went I always stopped by to see Bubba. I know I will be one fan who will miss that bear dearly. He was always me favorite.
Natalie
Duluth, MN

We are very sad to hear about Bubba. He was our girls' idol! Our youngest child had a "Bubba" birthday along with a Bubba upright cake holding his red ball. We will still continue to come to the zoo but will be very hard not seeing his playfulness in the water., We are very sad:(
Niki
Duluth

i volunteer at the lake superior zoo and just a couple weeks ago the other volunteers and our leader gave bubba and berlin big frozen jello treats. bubba was always picky and he liked the orange jello. he was the one w. the most personality and i could tell he really loved living at the zoo. berlin likes the red and blue jello. :]] i almost cried when i found out that he died. and i think they should give bubba a memorial at the cage or in the zoo lobby.
Anna
Duluth

Hi, I have fond memories of Bubba. I am AKA: DJ The Penguin from Kool 101.7 F.M. I remember going to see him when it was his birthday, attending his partys, the zoo years eve events, the halloween events and the birthday partys for DJ the Penguin given by the zoo. Bubbas docent a great guy too, bubba was always willing to play ball. What a bear. Miss ya Bubba bear. DJ The Penguin aka: Joe Mann
Joe Mann
Duluth, MN

I've lived here all my life and been to the zoo numerous times and have to say that the "Bear" exhibit was always my favorite. Bubba was quite the "ShowBear" and always, always made every child I saw watching him, smile!!! He will surely and very sadly be missed by everyone, as he touched so many of our lives!!! God Bless Bubba and rest in peace now.
Julie
Duluth

I've read the sad news of Bubba. Though I've never met Bubba before, I'm very sorry to hear your loss. Nineteen years old for a polar bear is old aged. To be the signature animals in your community, Bubba and Berlin were dedicated so much. I hope Bubba will stay at the polar bear paradise and live happily without illness. And Berlin is being alright. Pls send my best regards to your zoo staffs who take care of Bubba.
Anita
Hong Kong

It is so sad to hear the news about Bubba, He will be greatly missed,
Darren
Salisbury, England

Bubba was the attraction I loved the most at the zoo--he was just so playful & entertaining. This is a very sad time for the zoo & all of us who have enjoyed going there through the years. Our hearts are so saddened. Sincerely, The Bertram's
Elaine Bertram
Hibbing, MN

I'm heartbroken about this. My thoughts are with the zoo staff and keepers and all of the people who loved Bubba like I and my family did.
Mindy Bartell
Mankato, MN

The staff at DTCU were very sorry to hear of the loss of Bubba. He was a fun guy to visit at the zoo and will be missed by many. Brian DTCU
Brian
Duluth, MN

Bubba is now at rest; RIP and may the Zoo prosper and continue to bring people happiness and increase their empathy towards our animal friends.
PaulC
RIP

We were very saddened to hear of Bubba's death. It's like we lost a member of our family. The Lake Superior Zoo was one of our favorite hangouts when we lived in the area, and we come back to visit as often as we can. Bubba and Berlin were two of our favorite zoo residents. We hope Berlin can adapt to the loss of her buddy, and that the problems can get fixed at the zoo so she can get a new companion as soon as possible.
Heather & Dave McLaughlin
Bloomington, MN

After viewing the video of Bubba playing ball, I find that Bubba is a good shooter. I've never seen polar bear playing ball in such way. He acted as a professional basketball shooter in NBA. I'll never forget him.
Anita
Hong Kong

Bubba, we will miss you so much! You were the highlight of our grandchildren's visits to the zoo when they'd come to Duluth. Each time we pass the PB exhibit, we'll remember you with great fondness.
Gloria
Duluth

Send us your comments and stories about Bubba and we'll post them online!

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