New bear highlights ice cream social
CALM's new one-year-old black bear surveys his new surroundings
Actually, the new resident, a one-year-old, male black bear, was introduced to the public two days earlier, during an Aug. 23 news conference. The, as yet un-named, bear weighs approximately 150 pounds and was delivered to CALM by the California Department of Fish and Game on June 21 from San Luis Obispo County. The bear reportedly had become a danger to himself and fishermen in the area whose huts he had wandered into looking for leftover fish.
CALM animal keepers say he has a gentle disposition and appears to be very intelligent. Since June 21, the bear had been under quarantine, giving him time to get used to new surroundings and working with trainers before being exposed to daily visitors. Training with CSUB Psychology Professor Ginger LeBlanc and CALM Animal Keeper II Sharon Boyles, the bear learned how to be recalled once out on exhibit and how to present himself for inspection when veterinary care is necessary.
The new bear replaces Dart, a female black bear that was a longtime resident at CALM until paralysis earlier this year resulted in her being euthanized. He joins another male black bear, Cinnamon, in the bear habitat. Cinnamon has been at CALM since March 13, 2003, as a replacement for deceased male, black bear Digger, who CALM staffers say the new bear resembles in many ways.
"While we still miss Dart, we felt it was best for Cinnamon to get a companion as soon as possible to prevent any behavioral problems that might have arisen from feeling her absence," said CALM zoo manager/curator Lana Fain. "We hope the community shares in our joy over the latest addition to the CALM family, and we hope they visit him soon."
Visitors did enjoy seeing him, while enjoying a tri-tip/chicken combo barbecue that included salad, beans, rice, dinner role and salsa catered by Mossman's Catering Company. Others opted for vegetarian lasagna or a hamburger plate featuring potato salad, chips, coleslaw or fruit. Even though the new bear was the visual treat of the day, plenty of youngsters and those young-at-heart weighed into the ice cream and toppings provided by Rosemary's Family Creamery to make their tasty treat of the day -- a customized sundae.
Serenaded by country singer George Dickey and saxophonist Isaiah Morfin, dozens gathered around the bear habitat to see the new resident, who normally is only out during the morning hours. Until Cinnamon and his new companion get acquainted with each other, CALM is alternating their time in the outside habitat. Cinnamon gets the afternoon shift. But on Aug. 25, visitors who attended the 6-9 p.m. barbecue and ice cream social got a bonus opportunity to see the new bear.
CALM collected several entries for its "Name the Bear" Contest. Visitors paid a dollar entry fee to submit a name of their choice. A panel of judges will select a winner in September. That person will receive a CALM membership and other prizes. Prizes will also be awarded for second and third place. All proceeds will benefit construction of a state-of-the-art Mountain Lion/Bobcat Exhibit. Anyone can still submit an entry. Forms can be picked up at CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway or downloaded from its Web site, http://www.calmzoo.org.
Here are some quick bear facts:
- Bears in captivity generally live for about 35-40 years.
- Ginger LeBlanc has a way with bears. In addition to the new bear, she also trained Digger, Dart and Cinnamon.
CALM, located in northeast Bakersfield, between Lake Ming and Hart Park, is a combination zoo, botanical garden and natural history museum. Its animal residents are native to California and because of injury or abandonment cannot survive on their own in the wild. CALM is open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Check the Web site for ticket prices and other information.
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