It is with great sadness that the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium announces that Rocky, our 28-year-old Kodiak bear, and a favorite among our visitors, has passed away.
Rocky suffered from severe arthritis in multiple joints along with bridging of the vertebrae along his spine. This caused nerve abnormalities in the spinal cord that resulted in Rocky’s decreased ability to use his rear limbs and he was in constant pain. Our veterinary staff did everything they could to help alleviate Rocky’s pain and slow the progression of his disease but Rocky’s quality of life continued to decline in the past several months.
Rocky was euthanized with Mo at his side on Wednesday, August 18, 2010. The entire Zoo staff is mourning the loss of Rocky, as he has been member of the Zoo’s family since he was 1 year old. Many keepers, especially Mo, had developed a relationship with Rocky. According to Mo, he and Rocky were “buddies” and had a complete understanding of each other. Losing an animal for any keeper is painful because of the bond with their animals.
Below is a video of Mo and Rocky in 2008.
{ 34 comments… read them below or add one }
I am so sad at Rocky’s passing. Mo, I’m, thinking of you.
RIP dear Bear. You’ll live forever in our hearts and minds.
I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. We must all remember that he is in a better place now where health issue’s and pain will plague him no more. RIP Rocky.
Always in our hearts gentle spirit
Dear Mo,
Sending our sympathy to you and the entire staff of the Zoo. We met you when you were feeding Rocky one day and throwing him his fish and fruit. My 3 year old Nina just fell in love with Rocky that day and loves to visit him every trip we make to the zoo. Thank you for being Rocky’s keeper and always try to remember that the bond you made with him will never be broken. His pain is now ceased and he can live happy and healthy in heaven.
Chad, Angela, & Nina Tyler
McKeesport, Pa
We are so sad for the loss of Rocky although I have been preparing the kids for awhile now. Mo, my heart aches for you as I know this must be very difficult for you. RIP sweet bear.
Very sad news. I’ll miss the old guy.
To Mo and the entire staff at the Zoo:
My sympathy goes out to you all with the loss of your special friend “ROCKY”. Animals grow to be a part of our lives and families. It’s always difficult to say good~bye but take comfort in knowing you had 28 wonderful,memory filled years with him and he suffers know more…may the salmon run plenty for you Rocky…RIP sweet boy
Mrs. Jodi Lapp
Homer City, PA
We were so sad to hear of Rocky’s passing. We were just there about 3 weeks ago and saw Mo feeding him, and filmed it. Our condolences to the entire zoo family, especialy Mo who I know is really morning his loss. R.I.P. Rocky!!!
We will miss you greatly, Rocky. I remember when you and I were much younger together at the PGH Zoo. I got to grow up with you and then you became my son’s favorite animal at the zoo. He turned 12 this year and loved you alot. I would really like to THANK MO…for the opportunity that Alec had to visit with Rocky …”behind the scenes” just a few days before he passed. It will always mean a great deal to him. THANK YOU.
We saw Rocky in June at the zoo and were so sad to watch him struggle up the rocks. I could not imagine the pain you all must be suffering today as you had to tell him goodbye. My hats off to all of you wonderful people who work at the zoo.
To our friend Rocky and good friend Mo we are so sorry to hear of this. One of our greatest memories was meeting Rocky up close and throwing him treats and his favorite lifesavers. He will be missed by all. Take care.
We are so sorry to hear Rocky passed. Our deepest sympathies go to Mo and all the Zoo staff. We enjoyed watching him over the years.
Rocky And Mo,
We just saw rocky a few days before the 18th. and as sad as it is to see him go. the decision made was a most passionate one. Rocky was hardly able to get around at all. thanks to everyone taking care of him for so long. and thank you for knowing just the right time, to take the misery and pain from him
I thought Rocky was there forever! I’m so glad he had such loving keepers.
mo please know that my family and myself are praying for you in your time of loss of your good friend. I remember growing up with rocky and loved taking my kids to the zoo to see rocky.
We always enjoyed visiting Rocky’s exhibit and he was one of my all time favorite animals to take pictures of . His personality was so commical and he always seemed to pose for pictures. I am sorry for your loss . We are really going to miss him. Mo if you want pictures just email me and I will send them to you.
I have taken a lot of pictures over the years and Rocky will always be remembered. Bye Rocky, RIP
I was so sad to learn of Rocky’s passing. Rocky was always me & my husbands favorite stop at the zoo. Rocky will always hold a special place in my heart because my husband actually asked me to marry him right in front of Rocky’s exhibit! To everyone at the zoo that worked with Rocky especially Mo during this sad time I hope it brings you comfort to know how many people truly loved Rocky.
Sarah & Frank
Our household’s deepest sympathies to Mo and the rest of the Zoo staff on Rocky’s passing. We have a belief that when a beloved furry friend passes, he or she crosses Rainbow Bridge into a world of no fear, no pain, and plenty of room to run and play whilst awaiting their Human. Rocky’s crossed the bridge and is running around like a cub again, waiting for the day he’s reunited with his beloved Mo. Enjoy your time in the meadows and mountains, Rocky, you’re young and pain-free again, and know you’re well loved and will always be remembered on this side of Rainbow Bridge. We’ll see you again when it ‘s our turn to cross the bridge
Thank you Mo for taking such good care of Rocky, He will be missed,
My deepest sympathy to Mo… Rocky led a wonderful life making many happy. He is now at a better place with Sarah. You will always be with us, Rocky.
We are so sorry for your loss. Rocky was a very special bear. He touched many hearts for so many years.
to the staff of the pittsburgh zoo my deepest condolances. mr. brown thank you for giving rocky the best years of his life. i was raised in pittsburgh and the zoo. i still make it a yearly thing. some people think these are just animals but you all prove that these are creatures that have feelings. mr brown you lost a great friend in rocky.and by watching him he truly loved you.. that alone should warm your heart!!! thank you all for the work and patience you have put in rockys care.. you all did the hardest thing a person can do but you thought of rocky first. my deepest and sadest condolences….
RIP Rocky…you will be missed!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mo….he was very lucky to have such a great and caring friend!!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Mo. It is never easy to lose a friend no matter what species they are. RIP Rocky.
Dear Mo,
Sending warm thoughts and prayers at hearing of the loss of your dear sweet friend. Our family shares in your sadness as I have memries of Rocky from when I was a teen and my kids have never known the zoo without him. They always enjoyed talking to you about him. My faith tells me his is in a better place roaming the mountains, pain free with an endless supply of yogurt and the love of millions in his great big heart.
I remember Rocky when you first got him at the zoo. Over the years I have watched Rocky grow. As a true animal lover, Rocky will be missed by all. RIP my friend
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Rocky. He was a favorite of our grandchildren. We loved to be there at feeding time to watch him enjoy the oranges! Mo, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Rocky will be missed.
aww i love tht bear i saw him at least four to five times this summer ill mis u rocky ….
we will miss you rocky u were our fav animal in the zoo well rip..
So sad…he is pain free in bear Heaven
sooo sad. we loved Rocky he was so sweet. sorry Mo,RIP Rocky he is in our hearts Love you,s/s family
Mo and the Zoo Staff,
I was just reading all of the posts about Rocky and his passing. It is the hardest to have to do especially to someone you love. My heart goes out to you Mo and the other people who had Rocky in their lives and know that he is no longer suffering with pain. I love the pictures.
I noticed that he was having a hard time getting around the last time we were there, but did not learn of his passing until now. He looked like he was in pain. So sorry for everyone at the zoo. We will miss him.
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