February 22nd was a big day at ABR! Of course is was Cubby Birthday, which we celebrate each month on the 22nd, a date that falls in the middle of potential birth dates for black bear cubs. Our recently released yearlings are 13 months old, and the 2025 cubs are one month old, still snug in dens with their mothers. It was also the date of our Volunteer Orientation and we have pictures of that event. Finally, we will take you back to 2023, recalling a little bear whose nickname was Rover.
The Orientation was a success, starting with breakfast at Elvira’s Cafe in Wears Valley.
Everyone enjoyed the delicious breakfast.
Curator Katrina, the Volunteer Coordinator, showed a power point and explained ABR’s mission.
Volunteers are very important to ABR!
Since we have no cubs on site, the volunteers were treated to a facility tour. ABR is full of uphill climbs.
The volunteers visited the Release Staging Area, as well as the Recovery Center, Hartley House, and WE #1.
A group photo shows a lot of eager volunteers.
This little bear is Rover, who was rescued in 2023. To see his story, click here