After a notable absence, bears have finally returned to the Philadelphia Zoo. The zoo’s latest facility, Francis J. Carey Bear Country, opened to the public on June 4 and gives visitors a chance to get up-close and personal with three bears from vulnerable species.
The bears’ enclosure was closed to the public for three years while it underwent a major construction project, the largest since its KidZooU exhibit for young learners opened in 2013. Andean bears Turbo and Alba and sloth bear Bhalu now have 60% more space to live and play, as well as new climbing structures, digging pits and access to the zoo’s Zoo360 Trail system, which allows animals to roam around the zoo through elevated tunnels.
“Carey Bear Country strengthens all facets of animal care,” says Vice President of Animal Well-Being and Conservation Rachel Metz. “As an Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited institution, we provide the highest level of care to our animals. The renovations, upgrades and improvements included in the Carey Bear Country project strengthens our veterinary, nutrition and behavioral enrichment programs.”
Visitors to Carey Bear Country have all-new ways to interact with the bears, with cave-like viewing areas that allow zoo attendees to get closer to them while still remaining safe and not interfering with the bears’ enclosure. They can also watch regular training sessions held by the zoo’s animal care specialists.
While they are not viewable to the public, Carey Bear Country has also added cubbing dens for prospective rearing. The Philadelphia Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’s (AZA) Species Survival Plan and the Keeping Andean Bears SAFE and Keeping Sloth Bears SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) programs, and are dedicated to protecting and supporting these vulnerable species. Both species have faced significant habitat loss in the wild due to human development and are common targets for poachers. All three of the bears in the enclosure have previously had cubs, who now live at other zoos.
“The animal care team is thrilled to have bears back at Philadelphia Zoo,” says Senior Director of Animal Care Maggie Morse. “These beloved and charismatic animals have always been some of the most popular at the Zoo, and our team of animal care specialists are excited to work with our new Andean bears and returning sloth bear. Our team is ready to share the joy of animals and create transformative memories for our guests.”
The revitalized exhibit is the first effort in a larger campaign launched by the Philadelphia Zoo, “Remember the Future: The Campaign for Philadelphia Zoo.” The zoo aims to raise $85 million to support its animal preservation efforts, create new exhibits and experiences for guests and improve its educational offerings. As of June 8, the campaign has raised nearly $70 million.
The zoo recommends that guests hoping to see the bears visit Carey Bear Country right when the zoo opens, as the bears are most active when eating their morning meals.
