Strawberry was rescued as a cub in August 2014, after being hit by a car near Strawberry, Arizona. She had a broken leg and was taken to the Southwest Center for Conservancy where her injuries were treated, and she went through rehabilitation. Because she was unsuitable for released back into the wild, she was adopted by the Desert Museum and made her debut in her new home in March 2015. She was about five months old at the time of her injury.
When visiting on Saturday (my second time this month), I asked a docent about the animals in the park. She confirmed that no animals are pulled from the wild. They are rescued, born in captivity, or purchased/traded with another animal facility.
She even shared how young wolves have been introduced back into the wild in Arizona and New Mexico. I believe the numbers were down to a few dozen, and now there are around 200 wolves in the areas. They are able to insert the new pups when the mama wolf is away. By rubbing dirt and scents on all of the pups before leaving, the mama (who can’t count π) adopts the new cub into the family!
Maybe someday I will be a docent. π
Watching Strawberry brought me joy β€οΈ

She was very intent upon cleaning her tummy!

Lisa – the strawberry name is quote fitting and it would be awesome if you were a docent someday – π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!! …The winter would be great! Just not so sure about the summer πβοΈπ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yea- summer would be hot
LikeLiked by 1 person
π€£ππ Strawberry looks like a berry eating glutton. So adorable!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know! Chubbier that I might expect, she just came out of hibernation!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s funny in a way, was she licking her stomach wondering where the heck all the extra weight came from? π€π€£
LikeLiked by 1 person
Strawberry is such a great name for a bear, it really suits her!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does! I think it’s a great name. They had a naming contest when she arrived and that was the winner. Good choice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Strawberry seems quite comfortable and healthy. Thanks for the information about her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She does! I’d think she might look a little thinner after just coming out of hibernation!
LikeLike
Strawberry is a sweetheart! You would love being a docent, I am sure, Lisa! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Donna! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the Desert Museum and would enjoy going back. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s especially beautiful in the spring!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it was January the last time I was there a few years ago. π€
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, that is a wonderful time to visit!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing. It made me smile.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, I’m glad! She made me smile too!
LikeLiked by 1 person