In our last post we showed you Otto and Rollo Bear being lazy in their Wild Enclosure while Apollo Bear was pacing in his Acclimation Pen.  The curators conferred with the vets at UT and were given the go-ahead to let Apollo out into a Wild Enclosure to avoid further stress on the cub.  Rather than introducing Apollo into Wild Enclosure #3 that Otto and Rollo have resided in and consider to be their “property,” it was decided to tempt the two of them to enter Wild Enclosure #4, which would be neutral ground.  This would give all three of the cubs a fresh start in a new space.  Here is how it worked out.

Otto and Rollo Bear were sleeping in their tree in Wild Enclosure #3.

They perked up in response to a noise. Cubs are always curious.

The noise that got their attention was the gate between their enclosure and Wild Enclosure #4 being opened and treats (grapes) being scattered to form a trail.

Otto and Rollo followed their noses and tummies to Wild Enclosure #4.

The gate to the Acclimation Pen was opened. Apollo peeked out.

Apollo emerged into the enclosure. He hadn’t been on the ground since his rescue.

Apollo climbed a tree, but it was one that is shielded to prevent cubs from climbing up high.

Apollo climbed down and foraged a bit on the ground.

Otto and Rollo huffed at the newcomer.

Otto and Rollo moved over to the tree that Summitt preferred and settled on his branch.

Apollo climbed an oak tree and snacked on some acorns in the tree.

Otto and Rollo went back to sleep.

Apollo climbs up and down in his oak tree!

The curators were very pleased that there were no problems.  They had hoped the move and introduction of a third cub to the enclosure would go well – and it did!  It will be interesting to see how the cubs react to each other in the days to come.