The list is long, and we have drawn it up with the help of a veterinarian from the Agricultural Extension at the University of Tennessee. Here is a rundown
Dr. Dan Grove, a veterinarian with the Agricultural Extension of the University of Tennessee, recently spent over three hours with our curators at the facility. During his visit, he provided numerous suggestions that we are incorporating into our plan to rehabilitate the facility. It’s a complex, time-consuming, and costly plan, but we are committed to creating a bear care facility that will be second to none.
Today, we’re sharing **Part One** of the plan, with **Part Two** to follow tomorrow. This way, all of our friends can stay informed about the work we’re doing. We also look forward to meeting with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) sometime in late February.
Part One: Cleaning and Sanitizing
Step 1: Deep Cleaning
We will clean and sanitize all buildings in three thorough passes:
1. First, we will use Rescue disinfectant.
2. Then, we will apply Clorox Healthcare Bleach Disinfectant.
3. Finally, we will use Rescue disinfectant again.
Before and after each cleaning pass, we will pressure wash all surfaces. Once the buildings are completely clean, we’ll partner with Roger Newman Heating and Air for an anti-bacterial treatment of our HVAC systems. Throughout the year, we’ll maintain the clean environment by using the best filters that are compatible with our HVAC systems.
Additionally, we’ll rotate between at least two different disinfectants to prevent germs from becoming resistant. For cleaning up solid matter, we’ll use soapy water with Dawn detergent. This ensures thorough sanitation at all times.
Step 2: Controlled Burns in Enclosures
We will conduct controlled burns in every enclosure to sanitize the soil. To safely carry out these burns, we’ll bring in fuel, such as pine straw and small kindling, to help maintain longer-burning fires that generate sufficient heat. A nearby neighborhood has been trimming brush along their roadsides, and we’ve asked for some of this brush to use for the fires as well.
There’s a massive amount of work to be done, and we’ve already started. However, we need LOTS of pine straw bales to fuel the controlled burns in all four enclosures. Unfortunately, pine straw isn’t available on Amazon, but we can purchase it from Home Depot. 
The ABR Facility is large and spread out.
And the work begins –
Curator Seth pulls down the fabric that covered the fencing.
There is a lot of it!
They must drag it away. Heavy stuff!
It has to be loaded on the truck.
Curator Kamryn helps.
Time to rake and shovel – what a job!
Platforms must be demolished.
Curator Katrina pauses in her shoveling.
The curators take a needed break from the work.
To review – the plan is to extend the fences in WE #1 and 2, creating one larger enclosure. Then it will be divided (red line) into WE 1A and 1B. Cubs will rotate between 1A and 1B, allowing the curators to clean the “resting” enclosure and thereby minimize any bacterial issues. It is a labor-intensive plan as well as an expensive one. As a nonprofit organization, ABR appreciates any donations to help cover the expenses.