The beloved wildlife ambassador will be remembered for a lifetime of gentle connection.
Flamingo Gardens is heartbroken to share the passing of Josh, our beloved American black bear, who died peacefully of old age on Friday, January 9, 2026. Josh would have turned 27 years old on January 23—a remarkable milestone for a black bear in human care and a testament to the extraordinary life he lived surrounded by love, respect, and expert care.
“Josh was more than an animal in our care—he was family,” said Flamingo Gardens Sr. Director of Wildlife, Michael Ruggieri. “He helped teach generations of visitors that wildlife deserves compassion, protection, and respect. His long life reflects the dedication of his caregivers and the incredible support of our community.”
Josh’s story was one of resilience, kindness, and connection. Bottle-fed as a cub, Josh spent his early years as an ambassador animal at another facility in Davie, FL, where he made appearances at schools, birthday parties, and community events. His calm, gentle demeanor made him a natural ambassador, and he quickly became beloved by everyone he met…