Rescued Orphan Bear Cub Gets Second Chance Thanks to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), a black bear cub has a promising chance of survival. The cub, initially spotted in a tree at the zoo, had been monitored by CPW for several weeks without any sighting of its mother. Recognizing the cub as an orphan, which significantly reduces its chances of survival, CPW decided to intervene.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo played a crucial role in ensuring the bear’s safety during the rescue operation. They managed to keep the public at a distance to avoid further distressing the cub while CPW officers used a lift to safely sedate and retrieve the cub from the tree. This careful approach was necessary as bears often climb trees when they feel threatened.

After safely getting the bear cub out of the tree, it was taken to the zoo’s veterinary clinic for a health examination, where it was declared healthy. Following this, CPW planned to take the cub to a rehabilitation center where it would stay until fall. The next step in the cub’s journey involves constructing a man-made den where it will be released back into the wild.

The ultimate goal for CPW and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is for the bear cub to hibernate through the winter in the man-made den. By spring, they hope the cub will be mature enough to survive independently. This coordinated effort highlights the dedication and strategic planning by CPW and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to ensure the orphaned cub has the best possible chance for a successful return to the wild.