One small step for Bears... One big step forward for the revival of UK bear breeding Congratulations to Woburn on the birth of three American Black Bear cubs - The first in the UK since 1998 Trio of American black bears are the first born in British park for 18 years | Daily Mail Online
Very satisfying news indeed - fingers crossed they survive, and that this perhaps heralds more collections taking a shot at this species. Here's hoping that Sun Bears are next in the UK
First Kiwis at Paignton, and now this! Excellent news! Yes, hopefully Sun Bears next (or Polar, Brown, Spectacled (or even Giant Pandas)).
Considering these individuals are in a drive-through safari area, I'm not at all sure that the Bear TAG would *want* Woburn to use that space for a more endangered bear species! Moreover, considering the distinct shift away from keeping bears which UK collections have undergone in the last few decades - and which is only now starting to reverse - I would argue that *any* breeding success with a bear taxon is great no matter the species in question. If you want to talk about bear species which waste both space and money, the Giant Panda is a much better discussion point
I don't remember that being stated about the new group - they imported a number of new, younger animals not too long ago, which seemed to signal a new start.
I see no reason why the TAG would be against an enclosure with Asiatic black bears or sloth bears. And the discussion about panda bear is a completely different one.
Mixed with Timber Wolves though - Has anyone (successful or not) tried either of those species in a drive through enclosure before?
You don't think the TAG would be wary of allowing a high-priority species which they wish to breed to come into close and regular contact with automobiles belonging to the public, along with a second large carnivore (Timber Wolf)? I beg to differ; if your objection to American Black Bear being held and bred by a collection is that such a holding takes up space and resouces which can be better used for more deserving species, I would argue that *vastly* more money and space has been expended by European collections keeping Giant Panda in the last decade or so than has been expended on the ABB. As such the discussion *is* a relevant one. I do, however, note that you seem to have no issue with my point that given the specific situation regarding bear husbandry in the UK this news is still a positive development
Well said. The new cubs will be a massive public draw I am sure, as bear cubs always were in the 70s and 80s, and always will be, even today people love bear cubs.
Not in a drive through, but Out Of Africa wildlife park in my state of Arizona tried mixing wolves and black bears and pumas. The wolves had to be removed, I believe due to stress, but the two black bears and two pumas remained together for their lives.
I suspect that Nisha meant either of the species proposed by persimon - ie Asian Black Bear or Sloth Bear. Guessing the ones at OutOfAfrica are American?
I see it as positive because it makes you happy and I wish everybody happiness. And it is great enrichment for the bears.