Grizzly Bear Cubs

This was taken at the Fortress of the Bear in Sitka, AK
Two cubs whos mother had to be killed as a nuisance bear.

Nice shot, they look as though they are having fun. I take it is some kind of sanctuary?

Thanks Adrian, yes, they are just getting the whole operation under way, they only have these two (and some other farm-type animals) but the intent is to rescue orphaned bears, train them and sell to zoos. I guess the whole thing is a bit controversial. They were in a large enclosure that seemed to be better/more natural than what I've seen at most zoos.

And yes during the time I watch, they seemed to be quite healthy and having a great time with one-another.

kenyc wrote in post #8067690
. . . the intent is to rescue orphaned bears, train them and sell to zoos.

How sad - to go from the great, expansive wilderness of Alaska to a life of captivity. Especially sad for an animal at the top of the food chain.

Yes, I know that if they were left in the wild they would get killed by a mature male grizzly. I realize that there's really no other practical solution for what you do with an orphaned bear - but it still sucks for the bear.

kenyc wrote in post #8067690
And yes during the time I watch, they seemed to be quite healthy and having a great time with one-another.

That's 'cause they don't know any better. Ignorance is bliss.

Tom Reichner wrote in post #8071334
How sad - to go from the great, expansive wilderness of Alaska to a life of captivity. Especially sad for an animal at the top of the food chain.

Yes, I know that if they were left in the wild they would get killed by a mature male grizzly. I realize that there's really no other practical solution for what you do with an orphaned bear - but it still sucks for the bear.


That's 'cause they don't know any better. Ignorance is bliss.

True about the cubs but I've seen other animals in captivity where they either didn't look healthy or were clearly acting non-normal (pacing, etc..) which was not the case here.

Very nice shot...do you have others you're sharing? I'd like to see more!!

Mr. E wrote in post #8073829
Very nice shot...do you have others you're sharing? I'd like to see more!!

That was probably the best of what I got, I'll revisit and see if there is anything else.

You were in Sitka and that's all you have? Come on lets see them...

http://willyg.smugmug.​com …816_peFjk#45313​6872_3HnNr

Osteo wrote in post #8074559
You were in Sitka and that's all you have? Come on lets see them...

http://willyg.smugmug.​com …816_peFjk#45313​6872_3HnNr

I was only there a couple of days.

Here's a couple of landscapes:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=706131

And an owl:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=706113



BTW you got some great pics of Sitka there in your gallery.

http://www.fortressoft​hebear.org/

Doesn't mention the zoo thing?

Flo wrote in post #8077023
http://www.fortressoft​hebear.org/

Doesn't mention the zoo thing?

Probably true, it looks like that site needs some updating as well. The zoo thing was mentioned by the owner as we were watching/taking pics.

Good one, Kenny.

Thanks Stan!