Bear Habitat
A Tradition of Stewardship, Education, and Conservation
The "Patron Saint of all Baylordom," the Bear has served as the Baylor Mascot since 1914 when students selected it over the Buffalo, Antelope, Frog, Ferret, and Bookworm.
About Our Bears
Many American Black Bears have called Baylor home since 1917. Judge Sue Sloan, known simply as "Lady," currently resides in the Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat. Lady arrived on campus as a cub in 2002 and was named after then First Lady of Baylor, Sue Sloan, wife of Baylor's 12th President Dr. Robert B. Sloan. Upon Lady's arrival, she joined her sister Judge Joy Reynolds, "Joy," in the Habitat. A beloved member of the Baylor Family for 21 years, Joy passed away in July, 2022.
News
Our Home
Bill & Eva Willams Bear Habitat
Baylor students, school groups, and campus visitors frequently visit Joy and Lady’s home at the Bill & Eva Williams Bear Habitat, a facility heralded as one of the most visited spots on campus. The Habitat welcomes an estimated 250,000 visitors per year, including over 5,000 children visiting on educational trips for schools, camps, etc. The Bill & Eva Williams Bear Habitat is fully accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture as a Class C Zoo, and the license is renewed annually based on adherence to standards of care and facility maintenance, demonstrated during random and rigorous inspections by the USDA. We look forward to seeing you soon!
M.P. Daniel Esplanade
Waco,TX 76706
Daily:
9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Connect With Us
(254) 710-3322
Bill & Eva Willams Habitat M.P. Daniel Esplanade, Waco, TX 76706
Baylor Chamber of Commerce
Bill Daniel Student Center (SUB) basement
1311 S. 5th Street, Waco, TX 76706
Judge Joy and Judge Lady
One Bear Place #97185, Waco, TX 76798
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Operated by the Baylor Chamber of Commerce
Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Licensed by the USDA as a Class C Zoo