Wayward bears get place to stay
A zoo tries to help bears who can’t remain in their natural habitat.
A shrinking habitat and growing population can combine to lead to unfortunate circumstances for Florida’s bears. Brevard Zoo is working with Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to help those bears who cannot remain in their natural habitat by providing them with a permanent home.
A 20-month-old, as-yetunnamed Florida black bear arrived in August and will make her appearance to guests in early 2019. According to a press release from the zoo, the bear has already formed bonds with keepers, who have been providing her with daily interactive enrichments.
The bear was brought to the zoo after FWC responded to a report of a Tallahassee-area woman feeding dog food and water to a bear. Because the animal was accustomed to receiving food from a human, she did not know how to take care of herself without interacting with people; this could have resulted in a tragic incident if the bear remained in her natural habitat. Had she not found a permanent home under professional care, the bear would have been euthanized.
“Florida’s bear population is on the rise, which is wonderful,” said Keith Winsten, the zoo’s executive director said in a press release. “However, as their habitat shrinks and our numbers grow, we’re seeing more conflict between bears and humans—often with lethal consequences for the bear. This new space will teach our guests how to be ‘bear aware’ and coexist with these animals, specifically by ensuring they don’t become dependent on us for food.”
The bear habitat will be built where the red wolf yard is currently. The wolves have moved to a behind-the-scenes area with more privacy.
As part of the Give from the Heart appeal at the Zoo’s annual Safari Under the Stars fundraiser in April, attendees and additional donors contributed more than $200,000 to the project, with the largest gifts coming from the Cover Family Fund, Walter Gatti, Suzi Goodell, Tom and Courtney Hermansen, John and Merete Hermansen, Vince Lamb, Martha Kehoe, Michael and Mary Louise Coleman, Thomas Simon and Naomi Ware, and Bonnie and Jack Mollen. Those wishing to contribute to this project should contact individual giving manager Tracy Steele at tsteele@brevardzoo.org or 321-254-9453, ext. 234.
Brevard Zoo is a 75 acres not-for-profit facility that is home to more than 900 animals representing 195 species from all over the world. More information is available at www.brevardzoo.org.
Address: 8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne
Hours: 9:30 am - 5 pm daily. The zoo does close at 3 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October to get ready for Boo at the Zoo. Last admission will be 2:15 p.m.