Our Bears
Judge Indy
Namesake: The largest cub from her litter, Indy will likely be easy to identify throughout her lifetime as the larger of the two bears. Naturally, she has taken the more dominant role and was immediately observed as being the more independent of the pair. In the Baylor Family, Indy calls to mind the birthplace of Baylor University in Independence, Texas, some 100 miles from the heart of the Waco campus. This historic site and the four remaining columns from early Baylor life serve as a gathering point for new students who are learning about Baylor’s mission and traditions through Baylor Line camp.
Birthdate: January 24, 2023
Weight: 70 lbs. (as of August 2023)
Favorite activities: Water time, exploring logs and tires
Favorite snacks: Dried blueberries, cherries, raisins, carrots, sweet potatoes
Judge Belle
Namesake: Small in stature with a big personality, Belle was the smallest cub from her litter. Despite the size differential with her cousin, Belle is not one to back down from a good wrestling session with Indy but is often the first to walk away to enjoy a stroll through the wildflowers. Belle is named as an ode to the McLane Carillon bells – housed in the iconic tower of Pat Neff Hall – whose chimes across campus have provided the soundtrack for thousands of Baylor students who have called Baylor home. Similar to the chimes from the carillon towers, Belle has been known to make her own vocal music, often signaling her feelings around feeding and play times with loud squawks and chirps.
Birthdate: January 29, 2023
Weight: 60 lbs. (as of August 2023)
Favorite activities: Climbing and playtime with Indy
Favorite snacks: Smoothies with strawberries, blueberries, broccoli and kale, dried fruits
Judge Sue Sloan, "Lady"
After over two decades residing in the on-campus Bill & Eva Williams Bear Habitat, Lady celebrated her graduation in Spring 2023, moving permanently to a newly constructed private auxiliary facility, where she will remain under the full care and attention of the Habitat’s caregivers and veterinary team.
Namesake: Lady was named after Sue Sloan, wife of the 12th president of Baylor University, Dr. Robert B. Sloan, Jr. Lady's nickname comes from Mrs. Sloan serving as the First Lady of Baylor.
Birth date: January 31, 2002
Weight: 263 lbs.
Favorite activities: Exploring the auxiliary facility grounds
Favorite snacks: Apricots and peanut butter
Fun facts: Lady uses her left paw to Sic 'em. Lady joined her late, older sister Joy to live in the Bear Habitat when she was a cub.
Documentary: WATCH for more information on Lady's groundbreaking medical journey, fighting off multiple cancer scares and undergoing a pair of first-of-their-kind surgeries.
