It was a day of tears and a hard decision that everyone involved could see had to be done for Honey. Yesterday she was bright and normal except for not being 
able to rise up and walk. Today she mostly wanted to put her head down with her eyes closed or half open. She was deteriorating fast. When we got her tranquilized, I sniffed where she was lying. No smell of urine. When urination stops, life stops within a few days.
When I heard the decision from the people there with her this morning, I made one last call to a veterinarian with major experience with bears. He confirmed that we had no choice if we wanted to be humane to Honey. 
In the end, it wasn’t a decision, it was a need. But that didn’t erase the sorrow—especially for those who had raised her or cared for her for years. The feelings involved in that care, memories of special moments, seeing things that Lily Fans have also seen, all build a tie that is painful to end. They knew what had to be done and were the first to say it, but their tears showed their sense of loss. I know there are also a lot of tears among Lily Fans and Pond-Chatters who have watched her, know her, and love her.
Honey was an important member of the Ambassador Bear team. Her personality and brown coat made her unique. Ted, Lucky, and Holly all have their distinct roles in the social dynamics at the Bear Center, and so did Honey. She had a good life. She helped educate about bears. She is loved by many and will not be forgotten.
Looking at her this morning, she never looked more beautiful in her smooth rich dark brown coat like you saw in one of the pictures yesterday. Her muzzle and eyebrow patches are rich golden brown. In sunlight her rich colors come out. When a cloud passes, her look changes, and the white hairs on her forehead become obvious. Inside her body, her age (20) caught up to her.
The staff is making preparations for her burial on the property.
Here are some photos that capture her beautiful spirit.
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Thank you for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center