April 2007: Rescued Bear Cubs Update

The bear cubs that were rescued during the winter months were transferred to the open air enclosure as the next step towards their eventual release.

The bear cubs were divided into two groups. The first group consisted of Olya, Natasha, Yura, Slava, Sasha and Seva, who live in the enclosure den-house. The second group is made up of Patricia, Petya, Polina, Nadya, Nania and Nina. They live on the veranda of the observation house.

The cubs are now fed twice a day, at 9 a.m and at 9 p.m. Now is the time that the cubs gain the experience necessary to survive after their release. All of them reluctantly try the taste of various grass and trees' buds and they spend a lot of time in play. They don’t go further than 100-200 meters from the house, but gradually learn and perceive the territory.

One morning Petia caught a bumblebee and was greatly surprised when it stung him in the nose! He wasn't able to forgive this prank and tried to chew the bumblebee. At last the bumblebee managed to set itself free, dried itself off a bit, and flew along.

It's very important that the cubs have a certain amount of fear for man, even if humans come to feed them. The cubs hide in their “dens” when people come to feed them, so they have time to pour the porridge in bowls. Then when the cubs are hungry and the fear is gone, they run out to their bowls. A bit of a mess, some minor scuffles and they are eating.

Seva is the smallest in his group, but he bravely takes his position in front of the bowl every day. If anyone tries to approach him, he immediately dashes, snarls and uses forepaws to chase intruders away. All of the cubs eat well, although often when finishing their own portion they try to take some food from a nearby comrade's bowl. Sometimes it is allowed to pass, but usually it results in a scuffle.