New beginnings for bear cubs
This footage, filmed at the Idaho Black Bear Rehabilitation Center (IBBR), shows orphaned cubs learning how to survive in the wild. Climbing and finding food are crucial skills, but they also make time for some play!
Hunting activity, accidents and abandonments leave cubs orphaned, often injured, and unable to fend for themselves. IBBR provides a safe home where young bears can learn the skills a parent would teach; the sanctuary has man-made dens, tree trunks and a swim tub, mirroring the wild environment.
In June 2008, 21 bears - cared for since they were cubs by IBBR - were the latest to be released at safe sites to live natural lives. The sanctuary's success is such that their methods are being adopted by bear rehabilitators throughout the world.
WSPA supports member society IBBR with funding and resources.
Animal welfare in action: Kanaloa and Sassy's stories
Kanaloa - which means ‘unconquerable' in Hawaiian - was orphaned in California in July 2007. He was collected by IBBR and taken to the Idaho sanctuary at the request of wildlife officials, who recognized that he needed expert care.
Kanaloa flourished at the sanctuary under the supervision of the IBBR team, gaining weight and survival skills. He was released in a special site in his original home - Sequoia King's National Park, California - where he can indulge the love of water that he displayed in the pool at the sanctuary.
Sassy also arrived at IBBR in a sad state, weighing a mere 40 lbs despite being three years old. Last year, she was weak and starving. Yet in spring 2008, Sassy returned to the wild, weighing a healthy 152 lbs and able to fend for herself.
More releases to come, with your help
WSPA has used IBBR's success rate to show governments and NGOs in countries as diverse as Japan, Turkey, India, Ecuador and Indonesia that cub rehabilitation and release is a feasible option.
With your support, we can help IBBR keep up their vital work and influence others to join them.
Support WSPA's work for bears and other animals around the world >>
Read more about WSPA's bear cub rehabilitation work >>
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