Grizzly Bears
Gaika & Masha: Circus Closure—These two Grizzly Bears were part of a Russian circus were they lived in a truck for 17 years. The circus closed when the owner/trainer died. When they arrived at TWAS, they suffered nicotine withdrawals, as that was what their trainer used (by getting them addicted) to train them—so they would be desperate enough to do tricks for him. They are now addiction free, and enjoy plenty of space to play.
Kelty: US Fish & Wildlife Confiscation—Kelty, the Grizzly Bear, was shipped to TWAS from a California facility. The stress he suffered at this facility, due to a poor environment, was so great that he would pound his head against his cage wall until he bled. With plenty of space at TWAS (acres), he is having the time of his life—with no stress! Kelty takes the prize of being the Sanctuary’s largest animal at 1,200 pounds!
Maye: USDA Confiscation—Maye came from a photography studio where the owner would use her in photographs with clients. Her owner decided it was not a lucrative enough business and therefore no longer wanted Maye. She was rescued by TWAS where she will always be wanted.
Nadia: Contraceptive Failure—Nadia was born after AZA contraceptive medications failed—leaving us no choice but to permanently fix Kelty so there would be no more accidental Grizzly Bear births.
Shaq and Lil’ Kim: Taxidermist Surrender-- Shaq and Lil’ Kim were a breeding pair of Grizzly Bears at a South Carolina taxidermist operation. When the owner died, the family did not want to continue the business, and had prepared to put the animals down. Someone in a neighboring state got involved, and called us to take the remaining animals to keep them from being put down. Shaq and Lil’ Kim escaped certain death when we rescued them and brought them back to live in “Bear luxury” at The Wild Animal Sanctuary.
Tanaka: Florida Fish & Game Confiscation – Grizzly Bear Tanaka (“Tank”) was kept by a private owner in southwest Florida for 15 years. When Florida required a bond for the owners of large exotics, the owner refused to pay it, so TWAS was called in to take the bear. Tank has adapted very well to his new environment – and old timer Kelty loves having a new boy Grizzly to pal around with.
