An animals' natural habitat is very important for their living and thriving. However, there are times when some people or business entities take animals away from their natural habitat and put them away for a long time. This affects the natural abilities of the animal. They might not be able to do things they were able to do in the past.
This is the story of a bear that was rescued after spending a long time away from its natural habitat. Sasha, a three-year-old bear, was taken from Marineland, a theme park located near Niagara Falls, where it had been living away from its natural environment. During its stay at the theme park, Sasha lost some of its natural instincts for identifying certain things in its environment.
A rescue wildlife center had taken Sasha from Marineland to Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary near Parry Sound, Ontario. Apparently, all these happened last year, and the change is evident in Sasha after moving away from the therm park. However, the owners of Sasha's new home in Ontario took their time to explain some of the defects of living in a theme park on the black bear.
According to Jan Kingshott, Aspen Valley's director of animal welfare, she said that it took quite a while before the black bear could settle down into its natural habitat. Apparently, this bear was no longer familiar with the natural environment. Jan Kingshott said the bear was confused about things like mud and trees.
"He didn't understand trees, dirt, mud, or snow. It took a while for him to get used to the sound of birds and wolves howling," Jan Kingshott said.
However, Sasha's much-needed change and adaptation happened after the winter hibernation, and his confidence had returned. Apparently, by that time, it has gotten used to some of the things regarding his natural environment.
This bear even made a new friend and shared an area with another bear named Clover. "He loves people and is a ham. He adores his friend Clover and spends a lot of time in the pond. He's everything a bear should be," Jan Kingshott said.
Aspen Valley has announced that they have officially adopted Sasha and announced that the animal will live in its natural habitat for the next 30 years.
Marineland Under Investigations
Marineland is facing an investigation into its treatment of animals following the significant changes observed in Sasha the black bear. Jan Kingshott declined to comment on Sasha's overall health during their stay at the park.
On the other hand, Aspen Valley executive director Linda Glimps barely told supporters in an email that they were happy to rescue a bear born in captivity.
"Thank you animal welfare services for their rescue efforts and the teamwork it took to give a lone black bear born in captivity a new beginning," she said.
Furthermore, the solicitor general's press secretary, Hunter Kell, said they will not hesitate to sue Marineland if they find them guilty of maltreating animals.
"Animal welfare services will not hesitate to issue orders if Marineland is not in compliance with all rules, regulations, and standards of care regarding the welfare of animals," Kell said.