RELEASE: Museum of Life and Science welcomes American black bear cub
November 21, 2023
For Immediate Release – November 21, 2023
Media Contact:
Ro Rode, Director of Marketing and Communications
(561) 596-1410 | ro.rode@lifeandscience.org
DURHAM, NC —The Museum of Life and Science today announced the arrival of a nine-month-old male American black bear cub to its Explore the Wild: Black Bear habitat. The 88-pound cub joins the Museum’s three adult black bears, Mimi (19), Gus (17), and Little Bear (2).
Wildlife officials found the cub abandoned in April and entered him into a rehab setting with other cubs before being re-released in September. A week after release, the cub was exhibiting behaviors that would not have allowed him to survive in the wild. To ensure his well-being, officials contacted the Museum to give him a long-term home.
“We are delighted to welcome this nine-month-old cub to our group of bears at the Museum,” Senior Director of Animal Care Sherry Samuels said. “This cub brings a youthful energy that is truly infectious. Our team is excited to observe the interactions between the cub and our other bears, fostering a dynamic and enriching environment for the bears and our visitors.”
Having completed his quarantine period and initial introduction to the Museum’s three adult bears, the cub is free to explore the Museum’s black bear habitat. The adjustment process for any animal can be lengthy, but visitors might get an occasional glimpse of the new bear this fall as he learns and settles into the space.
To celebrate the cub’s arrival, the Museum will launch a naming contest via the Museum’s social media channels in the coming weeks.
“We want the community to be part of this exciting moment,” Marketing and Communications Director Ro Rode said. “Naming the bear cub is a special way for our visitors to connect with the Museum’s wildlife conservation efforts and engage in the ongoing story of our bear group.”
The Museum of Life and Science has a long-standing commitment to wildlife conservation and education, and introducing the new bear cub aligns with this mission. The bear habitat in Explore the Wild provides a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the natural behaviors and social dynamics of these native creatures, reinforcing the importance of conservation efforts.
Museum guests can visit the resident black bears and all the other animals and exhibits during regular operating hours, Tuesday – Sunday, from 10 am until 5 pm. For tickets and more information, visit lifeandscience.org.
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About the Museum of Life and Science
Located less than five miles from downtown Durham, the Museum of Life and Science is one of North Carolina’s top family destinations. Our 84-acre campus includes a two-story science center, one of the largest butterfly conservatories on the East Coast, and beautifully landscaped outdoor exhibits. Our interactive experiences include Dinosaur Trail, Ellerbe Creek Railway, Hideaway Woods, Into the Mist, Earth Moves, and Aerospace, which features one of the largest collections of Apollo-era NASA artifacts in the state. The Museum is also an AZA-accredited facility, home to rescued black bears, lemurs, endangered red wolves, and more than 60 species of live animals. Last year, the Museum celebrated its 75th anniversary and its ongoing commitment to Durham, the Triangle, and North Carolina communities. To learn more, visit lifeandscience.org.
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