Cape May County Zoo Mourns Loss of Beloved Black Bear, Cody

Cape May County Zoo Mourns Loss of Beloved Black Bear, Cody

The Cape May County Park & Zoo is saying goodbye to one of its most recognizable residents—Cody, the American Black Bear—who passed away at the age of 20 following age-related health complications.

Cody, who had been a staple at the zoo since 2005, was humanely euthanized by the zoo’s veterinary staff after his condition worsened.

His passing was announced in a post shared by the zoo on Facebook, where they remembered him as a “laid-back” bear with a “handsome appearance” and a love for peanut butter snacks, swimming, and shady naps in the corner of his yard.

The zoo staff added, “No matter what kind of day a keeper had, he always put a smile on their face. He was enthusiastic during training and always happy to cooperate—even if he was more interested in following his keepers around.

If you’ve been to the Cape May Zoo in the last two decades, there’s a good chance you saw Cody relaxing poolside or just taking it easy—something he had a talent for.

Over the years, he became a quiet superstar at the zoo.

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Cody was part of the species Ursus americanus, also known as the American Black Bear. These bears are native to a massive range of forested environments across Alaska, Canada, and the United States, from alpine wilderness to deciduous woodlands.

While they’re often called “black” bears, they come in a variety of colors—including brown, silver, and even white (like the rare “spirit bears” of the Pacific Northwest).

In the wild, black bears typically live 10–15 years, though in captivity—with proper care—they can live upwards of 25 years, just like Cody.

Males can weigh up to 600 pounds, while females tend to stay under 250. They’re mostly solitary creatures, except during mating season or when a mother is raising her cubs. And while they’re known for hibernating, not all black bears do—it depends on the climate of their habitat.

Despite their size, these omnivores are surprisingly plant-based, with 95% of their diet consisting of fruits, nuts, and grasses. They’ll also snack on fish, rodents, and carrion when the opportunity presents itself.

Cody’s passing marks the end of an era for the zoo, and while his absence will certainly be felt, his legacy lives on through the memories of thousands of guests and staff members who had the chance to see him in his element.

Cody did come to the zoo along-side his sister, Roxy, who is still at the zoo today.

The Wildwood Video Archive sends out our love to the Cape May County Zoo and their keepers on their loss.