Bruiser

I apologize for not having a face shot but he just wasn't cooperating when I was trying to taking his picture...

This is Bruiser. He is an Asiatic Black Bear (aka - Himalayn Black Bear, Moon Bear) and was part of a large exotic animal confiscation that occured back in April of this year. This is the same confiscation that Ivan came from (who is now happily enjoying life at White Oak in Florida.) Bruiser is 31 years old and has severe arthritis. He is on medication for it and moves around well.

He is a wonderful, easy going bear who loves to hang out with us (especially with Richard. He can be sound asleep but if Richard shows up he's awake within seconds and looking for him!). He is also the favorite of many zoo staff. Luckily for Bruiser we had an empty exhibit that was perfect for a bear. In fact, it used to house sun bears. It's been empty for several years as we were planning on demolishing it. We still plan to demolish it, just after Bruiser passes over the Rainbow Bridge.

Asiatic Black Bears were, at one point, found in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Northern India, Southern/Northeastern China, Korea, Japan, Northern Indochina and the former Soviet Union. However, their range is now greatly reduced and fragmented. They also, unfortunately, are the favored animal for the trade in bear parts. Needless to say, they are extremely endangered.

For more info on Asiatic Black Bears, click here. For information about bears in general, click here. To learn more about the trade in bear parts and what one group is doing to stop it, check out the Animals Asia's China Bear Rescue website.