Melbourne Zoo's Syrian brown bear, Honey, has died after veterinarians found a large tumour on her chest during a routine check-up.

Honey was being transported to a new enclosure when her keepers made the discovery.

Honey the Syrian Brown Bear enjoying an ice-block consisting of meat, fish, fruit, vegetables and strawberry topping in January 2014. Credit:Paul Jeffers

In addition to the malignant cancer, Honey was suffering from arthritis and had become much less mobile in recent years.

As a result, Honey was euthanised on Tuesday.