JACKSONVILLE, Fla -- The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) and the Wildlife Center of Virginia announced last Thursday that the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will be providing a permanent home for a Black Bear that cannot be released back into the wild.
According to a press release, the female bear arrived at the Center as a cub in the spring of 2013, after she was likely kept by humans for a period of time. While at the Center, interaction with humans was limited, but the damage had been done – the bear had lost her natural mistrust of people and she cannot be returned to the wild.
“Sadly, some people selfishly take animals like bear cubs or fawns into captivity and treat them like pets. That may be fun for the family, but it may be catastrophic for the wild animal,” Clark added. “Unfortunately, the people who really do the damage seldom have to see the consequences of their actions.”
The Center has been seeking placement at an accredited, educational facility since 2014.
“Zoo staff are very excited to bring in this new ambassador,” said Craig Miller, the Zoo’s Curator of Mammals. “Whether in Virginia or Florida, bears across the country face similar threats, and we hope we can play a role in educating and inspiring our guests to do their part to protect these amazing animals.”
