We ended our last post wondering if ABR would receive any more orphaned cubs.  The answer was yes, in fact the very next day, in the middle of the night, Cub #215 was transported to ABR.   The little female cub, nicknamed Sola (feminine form of “solo” which is “alone” in Italian) was orphaned when her mother and brother were killed as the family crossed a busy Interstate highway.  Poor little Sola was so frightened that she ran from the TWRA officers who were trying to rescue her.  They spent several hours in the pouring rain before they finally were able to capture her and transport her to ABR.  She was placed in an acclimation pen so that Curator Coy could observe her and make sure that she was doing well.  She was a good size for a 6-month old cub at 24 pounds, and appeared to be healthy.  Curator Coy was able to take a few photos of the newcomer in the acclimation pen.  If she proves to be eating, drinking, and eliminating normally she will be released into a Wild Enclosure right away.

Cub #215, Sola Bear.

Her expression conveys the sadness she must feel, having lost her entire family a few hours earlier.

Curator Coy provided grapes – a favorite treat for cubs.

The good news was that Sola ate the grapes that were offered.  She still has the will to live, a must if she is to recover and thrive.

Sola eats the grapes.

A stuffed bear was added to the pen, to provide some comfort to the newly orphaned cub.

Sola and the stuffed bear.

She climbed on the pen – another good sign.  Her wistful expression is heart-breaking to us humans.

Sola looks out.

Bears and cubs are resilient animals.  With time, we are sure that she will heal and be able to have her second chance at a wild life.