Ursina and Berna are Staying in Bern
Posted on: 07/09/2011
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Ursina and Berna, the two Swiss bear cubs born in the bear park in Bern in 2009 will stay in the park with their parents as per a solution created by Else Poulsen.
After months searching for a new home for these cubs, and after having found welcoming grounds in the Libearty Sanctuary in Zarnesti, Romania, a solution that did not involve taking up space in a sanctuary for rescued bears, was found. Following the visit of Else Poulsen, international bear behaviour expert, invited by Hauser Bears in Bern for a workshop on bear enrichment, a plan of introduction came together.
Else’s expert opinion is that the bear cubs can stay with their parents, as a group of bears is better balanced with 2 or 3 females per male.
This introduction however will require a change in husbandry and follow a long process until late spring 2012.
As part of the introduction process, the level of bear care will be tremendously improved by creating a daily, seasonal and yearly enrichment routine. This will enable the bears to experience their reality more fully, meeting their expectations as bears. This will reduce their stress levels and therefore facilitate any changes.
We very much look forward to the developments and the public as a result of this change in the enrichment routine and the introduction of the four bears, is likely to see bears behaviour much closer to that of bears in the wild.
We also look forward to the opportunity as a bear conservation and welfare charity to educate the public on the wider issues concerning these animals.
NEWS ARCHIVE
Ursina and Berna, the two Swiss bear cubs born in the bear park in Bern in 2009 will stay in the park with their parents as per a solution created by Else Poulsen.
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