Woburn Safari Park American Black Bear cubs born

Very satisfying news indeed - fingers crossed they survive, and that this perhaps heralds more collections taking a shot at this species.

Here's hoping that Sun Bears are next in the UK ;)
 
First Kiwis at Paignton, and now this! Excellent news! Yes, hopefully Sun Bears next (or Polar, Brown, Spectacled (or even Giant Pandas)).
 
Woburn.....

I thought these were supposed to be a non-breeding group?
 
persimon said:
not recommended by bear TAG, take up space of endangered bear species. Cute but not so great.
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Considering these individuals are in a drive-through safari area, I'm not at all sure that the Bear TAG would *want* Woburn to use that space for a more endangered bear species! Moreover, considering the distinct shift away from keeping bears which UK collections have undergone in the last few decades - and which is only now starting to reverse - I would argue that *any* breeding success with a bear taxon is great no matter the species in question.

If you want to talk about bear species which waste both space and money, the Giant Panda is a much better discussion point :p
 
TeaLovingDave said:
Considering these individuals are in a drive-through safari area, I'm not at all sure that the Bear TAG would *want* Woburn to use that space for a more endangered bear species! Moreover, considering the distinct shift away from keeping bears which UK collections have undergone in the last few decades - and which is only now starting to reverse - I would argue that *any* breeding success with a bear taxon is great no matter the species in question.
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These were my thoughts too when I read persimon's post. You beat me to it!
 
FBBird said:
I thought these were supposed to be a non-breeding group?
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I don't remember that being stated about the new group - they imported a number of new, younger animals not too long ago, which seemed to signal a new start.
 
I see no reason why the TAG would be against an enclosure with Asiatic black bears or sloth bears. And the discussion about panda bear is a completely different one.
 
persimon said:
I see no reason why the TAG would be against an enclosure with Asiatic black bears or sloth bears. And the discussion about panda bear is a completely different one.
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Mixed with Timber Wolves though - Has anyone (successful or not) tried either of those species in a drive through enclosure before?
 
persimon said:
I see no reason why the TAG would be against an enclosure with Asiatic black bears or sloth bears.
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You don't think the TAG would be wary of allowing a high-priority species which they wish to breed to come into close and regular contact with automobiles belonging to the public, along with a second large carnivore (Timber Wolf)?

persimon said:
And the discussion about panda bear is a completely different one.
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I beg to differ; if your objection to American Black Bear being held and bred by a collection is that such a holding takes up space and resouces which can be better used for more deserving species, I would argue that *vastly* more money and space has been expended by European collections keeping Giant Panda in the last decade or so than has been expended on the ABB. As such the discussion *is* a relevant one.

I do, however, note that you seem to have no issue with my point that given the specific situation regarding bear husbandry in the UK this news is still a positive development :)
 
TeaLovingDave said:
Very satisfying news indeed - fingers crossed they survive, and that this perhaps heralds more collections taking a shot at this species.

Here's hoping that Sun Bears are next in the UK ;)
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Absolutely, Sun Bears and Polars at Highland will be next, fingers crossed !!
 
TeaLovingDave said:
You don't think the TAG would be wary of allowing a high-priority species which they wish to breed to come into close and regular contact with automobiles belonging to the public, along with a second large carnivore (Timber Wolf)?



I beg to differ; if your objection to American Black Bear being held and bred by a collection is that such a holding takes up space and resouces which can be better used for more deserving species, I would argue that *vastly* more money and space has been expended by European collections keeping Giant Panda in the last decade or so than has been expended on the ABB. As such the discussion *is* a relevant one.

I do, however, note that you seem to have no issue with my point that given the specific situation regarding bear husbandry in the UK this news is still a positive development :)
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Well said.
The new cubs will be a massive public draw I am sure, as bear cubs always were in the 70s and 80s, and always will be, even today people love bear cubs.
 
Nisha said:
Mixed with Timber Wolves though - Has anyone (successful or not) tried either of those species in a drive through enclosure before?
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Réserve Africaine de Sigean keeps around a dozen Asian black bears in a drive through.
 
Nisha said:
Mixed with Timber Wolves though - Has anyone (successful or not) tried either of those species in a drive through enclosure before?
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Not in a drive through, but Out Of Africa wildlife park in my state of Arizona tried mixing wolves and black bears and pumas. The wolves had to be removed, I believe due to stress, but the two black bears and two pumas remained together for their lives.
 
I suspect that Nisha meant either of the species proposed by persimon - ie Asian Black Bear or Sloth Bear. Guessing the ones at OutOfAfrica are American?
 
TeaLovingDave said:
I do, however, note that you seem to have no issue with my point that given the specific situation regarding bear husbandry in the UK this news is still a positive development :)
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I see it as positive because it makes you happy and I wish everybody happiness.
And it is great enrichment for the bears.
 
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