Vigorous Play, Gentle Contact - UPDATE March 5, 2016
Ted (Behind the Scenes) 10/9/15
Ted (Behind the Scenes) 10/9/15
It?s hard to understand why bears would spend so much energy in such vigorous play when they haven?t eaten for months and won?t eat for another month or so. But play is obviously very important. Vigorous but non-harmful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rv-UsDSLVjYOn the other hand, Honey the loner carefully walked in the snow today, giving us a good look at her near the camera.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFzN6EjL6_0Today, Judy McClure and I traded stories about gentle Ted. You?ve heard mine. She remembered when Ted first came to the Bear Center and she and Sharon Herrell were leading Ted down to the viewing area where he would be fed. Ted was huge. Judy paused to listen to what Sharon was saying ahead of her. She didn?t hear Ted come up to her and didn?t feel Ted slide his front leg around her leg. She only knew that when she tried to walk, she had Ted?s leg around hers and she couldn?t move. Ted wanted to be close to her. Sharon Herrell pouring formula for Holly on 4/11/14
Sharon pouring formula - 4/11/14
He was being his gentle self and being a bear that loves people?anyone. She also remembered her early times with Honey and when she offered Honey food close-up and had Honey stand up for the first time. I could tell that her moments with the bears over the years are very meaningful to her, as are the many moments each staff remembers with these special bears. Each one has tender memories of these personable bears?memories made more meaningful by the contrast between the bears? behavior and how they are thought to be by so many. When staff members see the truth, they become ever more dedicated to the Bear Center?s educational mission. It?s the same, of course, for Bear Curator Sharon Herrell who dedicates her life to giving each bear the best care possible. They make me proud of all of them, their dedication, and how they represent what the Bear Center stands for. As part of that, I?m thankful for all that Lily Fans have done to care for the bears and help spread the truth about them. I look forward to visitors meeting Ted and the others close-up on the behind-the-scenes tours that have become so popular.
The pictures show Sharon pouring formula for Holly when she was a yearling and Ted greeting behind-the-scenes visitors with friendly grunts and ears in a playful position. Meeting groups of visitors are highlights of Ted?s days. From what we are told, meeting Ted is unforgettable. No education is more effective than learning from the bears themselves.
Thank you for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center
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