Two grizzly bears have arrived at Lincoln Park Zoo. It’s the first time in 46 years that the zoo has cared for brown bears. Photo credit: Cassy Kutilek / Lincoln Park Zoo.
For the first time since 1979, you can see brown bears at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. The zoo recently welcomed aunt-niece duo, Ash and Lexi.
These two grizzly bears are adult bears, though their exact age is unknown. They were born in the wild, but they were found raiding trash cans and becoming dependent on human food.
Grizzlies Lexi and Ash are making themselves at home at Lincoln Park Zoo. Photo credit: Lincoln Park Zoo.
For their safety and well-being, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks removed the brown bears from the wild. The bear pair lived at Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin before coming to the Lincoln Park Zoo.
“Ash and Lexi’s story is an inspiring one that reminds us of the important role accredited zoos can play in the lives of rescued animals that can’t return to the wild for their own safety,” said Lincoln Park Zoo Curator Cassy Kutilek.
Both bears have a playful personality. Photo credit: Lincoln Park Zoo
Brown bears enter a deep sleep in the winter months called torpor. Their breathing, heart rate, and metabolism slow down drastically in order to conserve energy.
Ash and Lexi, like their counterparts in the wild, will also enter into this deep sleep at the zoo. They will have long periods of inactivity starting in November. Though Ash and Lexi do have access to food at the zoo, it is important for them to engage in this natural behavior.
Photo credit: Lincoln Park Zoo
To learn more about Ash and Lexi, visit the Lincoln Park Zoo website.
For more info on brown bears, see our article, Grizzly Bear.
