10/13/2026
Remembering Windfall: A Beloved Member of Our Zoo Family
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Windfall, our beloved 23-year-old American Black Bear and longtime resident of the Merced Applegate Zoo.
Windfall's story began with a second chance. In 2005, she arrived at the Zoo after being rescued from individuals who had illegally kept her as a pet. Suffering from malnutrition and in need of specialized care, Windfall found a new home in Merced, where she would spend more than two decades surrounded by compassion, companionship, and love.
Alongside Missy, another rescued black bear, Windfall quickly became one of the Zoo's most cherished residents. Together, they captivated generations of visitors, inspiring curiosity, wonder, and a deeper appreciation for wildlife. For countless families, a visit to the Merced Applegate Zoo simply wasn't complete without stopping to see Windfall and Missy.
In recent weeks, Windfall began experiencing significant health and mobility challenges. Our dedicated animal care team worked closely with veterinary and zoological professionals to evaluate her condition and explore potential treatment options. Unfortunately, her declining health and limited prospects for recovery led to the incredibly difficult decision to help her pass peacefully and with dignity.
While saying goodbye is never easy, our greatest responsibility is to ensure the animals entrusted to our care experience the highest possible quality of life, including compassion and dignity in their final moments.
Windfall's passing is especially difficult for our Zoo staff, who spent years caring for her, earning her trust, and ensuring she received the attention and care she deserved. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and compassion.
Our team will continue providing attentive care and support to Missy, Windfall's longtime companion, as she adjusts to this loss.
Windfall's legacy is much greater than the years she spent at our Zoo. Her story reminds us why animal rescue, conservation, and education matter. What began as a second chance at life became more than 20 years of meaningful connections between wildlife and the Merced community.
To everyone who visited Windfall, shared a photograph, brought their children to see her, or simply enjoyed watching her over the years, thank you for being part of her story.
Merced Applegate Zoo will introduce it's first ever mascot later this year. It will be an American Black Bear, in her memory, named Windfall. It is our hope that our mascot will help to preserve her memory and the impact she had on our guests, providing them a sense of wonder, joy, and excitement for nature and our animal Friends.
Rest peacefully, Windfall. You will forever be part of the Merced Applegate Zoo family, and you are deeply missed.
