OctoBEAR – Celebrating PAWS’ Rescued Bears
An Entertainment Abuses Articles from All-Creatures.org

FROM PAWS Performing Animal Welfare Society
October 2021

Many Bears are caged in shoddy roadside zoos, cruelly forced to perform tricks in traveling shows and circuses, torn from their mothers for cub petting and photo opportunities, and kept in deprived conditions as “pets.”

PAWS is dedicating OctoBEAR to our rescued bears in order to bring attention to just how amazing – and often underappreciated – bears are.

Bears are sensitive, curious, intelligent, and very active – in nature they are busy foraging and exploring up to 18 hours a day! Tragically, many are caged in shoddy roadside zoos, cruelly forced to perform tricks in traveling shows and circuses, torn from their mothers for cub petting and photo opportunities, and kept in deprived conditions as “pets.”

Meet the bears that call PAWS home:

Bear Ben

Ben was rescued from a shabby roadside attraction where he spent his life pacing the concrete floor of a barren, 12x22-foot cage. Deprived of everything natural, Ben had no soft soil to dig in, no trees or grass, and no privacy from gawking tourists.

Bear Mack

Mack was an orphaned wild cub found begging for food. He was missing his right rear leg. Authorities determined that Mack could not be returned to the wild because of his disability and his reliance on humans as a source of food.

Bear Boo Boo

Boo Boo was a small cub when he was purchased as a “pet.” He was left outdoors, restrained by a chain around his neck that he quickly outgrew. It became so deeply embedded in his skin that surgery was required to remove the chain.

Today, Ben, Mack and Boo Boo are doing what bears naturally do: They walk on soft grass, dig in the soil, search for acorns and other foods, swim, and explore spacious natural habitats filled with shady trees and native vegetation.

It costs about $45,000 a year to care for our three bears, including nutritious meals, veterinary care, and daily care by our dedicated staff. Please go to our website to DONATE - PAWS Performing Animal Welfare Society. Thank you! 

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