Once Orphaned and Alone: Mack’s Happy Ending at PAWS
Animal Stories from All-Creatures.org

FROM PAWS Performing Animal Welfare Society
February 2021

The hungry cub had been begging for food before his capture by wildlife authorities. After spending time at a wildlife center, it was determined that Mack could not be returned to the wild because he was too accustomed to humans. PAWS agreed to provide Mack with a permanent home, and in 2016 he arrived at our sanctuary in Galt, California.

Mack is a black bear who was born in the wild but orphaned when he was a small cub. Not only that, he was missing part of his right hind leg. No one knows what happened to his mother – cubs normally remain with their mothers for 16-17 months.

The hungry cub had been begging for food before his capture by wildlife authorities. After spending time at a wildlife center, it was determined that Mack could not be returned to the wild because he was too accustomed to humans.

PAWS agreed to provide Mack with a permanent home, and in 2016 he arrived at our sanctuary in Galt, California.

Mack proved to be a very active and extremely agile bear. His missing leg did not stop him from climbing or playing.

Mack now resides in a large, natural area at ARK 2000 in the Bob Barker Bear Habitat. He spends his days exploring, searching out tasty foods, and, of course, splashing in his pool (above). When it's time to rest Mack sleeps on a bed of soft straw and pine needles, sheltered by a log pile. He receives the best of care and the love and respect of his caregivers.

Mack in his habitat at PAWS' ARK 2000 sanctuary

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