Animal handlers in animal suits mockingly pick at young bear cubs
In a California national park, a bear cub, initially discovered weak and alone by campers, is currently being rehabilitated at the San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center. The objective is to release the cub back into the wild after up to a year of care.
To avoid human bonding and ensure the cub's survival skills, caretakers have resorted to an unusual method. They don bearsuits, complete with masks, fur coats, and leather gloves to minimize interaction with humans. Similarly, staff clad in camouflage outfits adorned with foliage aim to emulate the cub's natural environment.
The strategy is twofold. On one hand, it assists the cub in developing instincts and behaviors that are inherent to bears. On the other, it reduces the risk of the cub imprinting on humans, a phenomenon that could hinder its ability to function effectively in the wild.
The rehabilitation process consists of four daily enrichment and feeding sessions. These activities, designed to mimic the wild environment, are instrumental in supporting the cub's physical and mental development. Caretakers implement various strategies, such as employing stuffed animals, to simulate maternal care and curb the cub's reliance on human interaction for comfort or sustenance.
The bear cub, characterized initially as fragile, has since made significant progress. According to Autumn Welch, the manager of the Ramona station, "It was extremely fragile when it arrived, but now it's active, eating well, and steadily gaining weight." The cub is the youngest ever admitted by the organization.
The Ramona Wildlife Center aims to release the cub back into the wild once it has reached optimal health and is confident in its ability to survive on its own. If another bear cub is rescued, these two may be paired together to further diminish human imprinting.
Reference(s):- ntv.de, jpe/dpa
Categories: USA | Animals
Small and medium-sized enterprises in the health-and-wellness sector might consider embracing the innovative rehabilitation strategies used by the San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center. The center successfully rehabilitated a bear cub by emulating its natural environment, which could likely promote healthier and more confident animals, similar to how fitness-and-exercise programs fortify human well-being. In turn, such successful releases could foster a deeper sense of unity and cooperation within the community.
