Bear Bonanza

Two cubs at the San Diego Zoo demonstrated the importance of bear-proofing campsites Thursday. Keepers set up a mock camp in the grizzly bear exhibit for the opening of Zoo Discovery Days: Bear Bonanza and it didnt stay neat for long!
Grizzly bears, Montana and Scout, ran into the enclosure, sniffed the air, and went straight for the cooler, knocking it over to get the food inside. The two-year-old bears quickly ate other food carelessly left in a grocery bag. The tent, which didnt contain any food, was knocked down and dismantled by Montana in less than two minutes. The only place food stayed safe were the bear-safe containers loaned by REI. The bear brothers were rescued in Idaho because their mother started taking them into populated areas and teaching them to forage from campsites.
Enrichment activities, such as the mock campsite, are scheduled throughout Bear Bonanza, a four-day event that highlights the Zoos six species of bear. On the morning of March 21, the Polar Bear Plunge exhibit will be covered in snow and guests can watch the three polar bears dig, slide and play in the white stuff.
Bear Bonanza also features special presentations by zookeepers, veterinarians, and researchers to teach guests about the work the Zoo is doing for the beloved bear. Guests can see how our veterinary staff cares for the Zoos bears when they bring their teddy bears to the Zoo for a complete health check by the vets.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• san diego zoo
• BEAR BONANZA

[hzchewtoy]

Bear Bonanza was great! We had a wonderful time. Bears are the best.

[SDZoo]

Thanks for coming by! Stay tuned for Discovery Days: Absolutely Apes later this year.

[T4Slipped]

I'm glad I brought my teddy bear to the clinic. Turns out he had cancer but we caught it early! We are hopeful he will live a long life.

[taburineagle]

That looks like an awesome event! Too bad I live on the other side of the country - :( I love bears - would it be possible to release more video from the "fake campsite" with the bears? I would really love to see that!

[Pieishman]

awesome!

[elephantologist]

I love the mock camp. Great way to teach people to be responsible campers.