BROWN BEAR
Rescued bear cubs find a new home at Woodland Park Zoo
WELCOME HOME
Meet Juniper
Juniper's name was inspired by the plant found in the Cascades of Washington state. Woodland Park Zoo advocates to restore a healthy brown bear population in the North Cascades with community support.
Brown bear cub Juniper was found roaming alone near an air force base in Anchorage, Alaska. Like Fern, she was born this past winter and is about the same age as Fern. Juniper immediately became the zoo’s darling when she met the public for the first time in August. She currently weighs 256 pounds and is markedly larger than Fern.
Learn more on the Woodland Park Zoo blog
Meet Fern
Another bear cub joins the zoo family!
Grizzly bear cub Fern was born this past winter in Montana and arrived as a rescue at Woodland Park Zoo in October. Fern currently weighs 167 pounds. She can be distinguished from Juniper by her longer snout and smaller stature.
Juniper’s presence has helped Fern acclimate to her new home much faster than usual. “Fern is responding to behavioral training and is making herself at home. Having Juniper here has truly helped,” said Erin Sullivan, an animal curator at Woodland Park Zoo. “The cubs are fast becoming best buds and Juniper has taken Fern under her wing.”
Find out more on the zoo's blog
If you're lucky, you might spot these little ears yourself!
We are extremely excited to share these photos of our curious and energetic brown bear cubs, Juniper and Fern.
Learn More About Brown Bears
Brown bears and grizzly bears belong to the same species, Ursus arctos, although the common name, “brown bear,” typically refers to a coastal bear, while “grizzly bear” usually refers to a (smaller) inland bear. Scientifically speaking, all grizzlies are brown bears, but not all brown bears are grizzlies. Meanwhile, American black bears are an entirely separate species (Ursus americanus), although some black bears do have brown fur!
GRIZZLY BEAR RECOVERY
Federal government agencies are considering recovering grizzly bears to the North Cascades, and they want to hear from you. Grizzlies roamed over 6 million acres of North Cascades’ wildlands for centuries until they were hunted into regional extinction in the 1800s – they truly belong here. Grizzlies contribute to a thriving ecosystem by aerating soil and dispersing plant seeds – they are part of nature’s delicate balance. Washingtonians already know how to coexist with wildlife, including bears – bear safety and awareness will always be a top priority. Bottom line: it’s time to bring them back.
Join us in this important public process and submit a comment
Support reintroducing grizzly bears to the North Cascades
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