Photo: Detroit Zoo
A grizzly bear and polar bear have formed a sweet and unexpected friendship.
After a thorough health assessment, Jebbie was transferred to the Detroit Zoo, where he met an unlikely friend, Laerke — a polar bear cub born at the facility last year.
Detroit Zoo
Last week, zookeepers sharedphotosandvideosof Jebbie and Laerke’s budding friendship. The footage and pictures show the two cubs chasing each other and rolling around in the grass.
According to the zoo, the Arctic Ring of Life, the zoo exhibit where both bears now live together, is one of the world’s largest zoo polar bear habitats — boasting a grassy tundra, freshwater pool, “pack ice” area, and large saltwater pool.
“We’re thrilled that we are able to give Jebbie sanctuary and provide a much-needed companion for Laerke,” Scott Carter, chief life sciences officer for the DZS, said in a statement. “This social development is critically important for both Laerke and Jebbie.”
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Suka, an 8-year-old polar bear, gave birth to Laerkeand another polar bear cubat the Michigan zoo in November 2020 after mating with 16-year-old Nuka. Laerke and their sibling were the first polar bears born and successfully raised at the facility since 2004, according to apress releasefrom the zoo.
However, according to Carter, Laerke couldn’t reunite with her mother after her health improved because the adult bear no longer recognized Laerke as her cub. He said because “there are no other polar bear cubs who we can bring here,” the zoo is thrilled Jebbie has joined the facility to give Laerke a companion.
Guests of the Detroit Zoo can visit Jebbie and Laerke now at the duo’s exhibit, where the cubs will grow up together.
source: people.com
