Bear Habitat
A Tradition of Stewardship Through 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.
Meet Our Bears
Many American Black Bears have called Baylor home since 1917. Our current bears, Judge Joy Reynolds (Joy) and Judge Sue Sloan (Lady), are biological sisters. Joy arrived on campus as a cub in 2001 and was named after the wife of the 11th President of Baylor, Dr. Herbert H. Reynolds. Lady arrived as a cub one year later and was named after the wife of the 12th President of Baylor, Dr. Robert B. Sloan, Jr. Lady's nickname comes from Mrs. Sloan serving as the First Lady of Baylor.
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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 AM - 8:00 PM
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
Joy and Lady Bear
One Bear Place #97185, Waco, TX 76798
Operated by the Baylor Chamber of Commerce
USDA Licensed Class C Zoo