We are glad to report that all five of the yearlings at ABR are doing well. We have some good photos of shy Nettles Bear, who spent so much time in her tree that she earned the nickname “Bird Bear.” Nettles was down allowing us to see her, so we’ll start with her.

She is a stocky little yearling, and we’re glad that she is not as shy as she has been in the past.

Nettles found a little stick that seemed to intrigue her.

She dropped the stick off of the platform, but promptly retrieved it.

It was a very special stick! We’ve seen cubs and yearlings who found and played with sticks in the past. Toys are fun for all young critters!

We had to do the “pear test” while Nettles sat on the platform. She definitely passed!

We’ll leave her to play with her excellent stick, as we move next door to Wild Enclosure #3.

We can’t see much of them, but the two Christmas yearlings are nestled inside their culvert den.

In the Hartley House, HRH Rover Bear had something new – a special “sandwich.” The curator left it while Rover was in his other room.

When he returned, Rover noticed the new treat right away.

Rover went right to it and started to investigate (take it apart).

Yum yum! Rover’s sandwich contained yogurt, berries, and mealworms!

After his snack, Rover went to bed with his Not A Polar Bear buddy. Sweet dreams, Rover!

The fifth yearling, Lovey, is making progress. He is playing with and interacting with his toys – a good sign!