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Bear in new digs
| Thursday, Aug 23 2007 7:50 PM
Last Updated: Thursday, Aug 23 2007 10:14 PM
Spanish speakers call him "oso," while the French say "ours." The old Latin refers to this mammal as "ursa," while in English, we call these furry omnivores "bears."
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Christy Slayton and her son Brogan, 2 1⁄2-years-old, and niece, Aubrey Thompson, 11 months, probably got the best look at the new bear at CALM when the bear came up to the viewing window and took a close look at them. The new bear was at first hesitant to come out of its cave when it was introduced to the public Thursday morning.
The new bear at C.A.L.M. is lured out of its cave by staff members who spread a treat on a bolder during its introduction to the public Thursday morning.
The new bear at CALM climbs up a tree stump to lick a treat staff members left to lure it out of its cave.
The California Living Museum's newest bear had his coming out party Thursday at the popular zoo in northeast Bakersfield. And almost immediately children and adults alike began concocting colorful names for the 1-year-old, 150-pound black bear.
A contest to provide the nameless bear with a permanent handle kicked off Thursday. For "bearly" a buck, people can submit their favorite name for this John Doe of bears. All proceeds will go toward construction of the future mountain lion and bobcat exhibit.
If you were the judge -- or the bear for that matter -- what would you say to the name "Digdug?"
How about "Chubby?" "Lulu?" "Batman?"
Those are just some of the 35 or more names proposed so far for Bakersfield's newest (Ursa) major star.
"He reminds me of Digger and how he was a great bear," said 10-year-old Zac Seidemann, who was there with his family to welcome CALM's newest resident.
Zac favors the name "Charcoal" for the new cub in town.
The new bear replaces Dart, who developed paralysis in May and had to be euthanized. Dart and her brother, Digger, were adopted by CALM as cubs in 1996 after their mother was killed by a train near Keene. Digger died a few years before Dart.
Together, the pair captured the imagination of thousands of visitors to the zoo -- and many mourned their deaths.
But Thursday morning seemed like a rebirth as the four-pawed adolescent shyly eased out of his den to the thrill of about three dozen spectators.
At first he was wary of all the people as he cautiously poked his snout out of the den door, then retreated back inside.
Eventually, he relaxed, taking a dip in his pool and snacking on treats left for him by zoo staff. When he practically kissed 2-year-old Brogan Slayton through a window in the grotto, both Brogan and his mom, Christy Slayton, were delighted.
The bear had no comment.
While Brogan may not remember the experience, his mom said she'll never forget it.
"I've definitely never been that close to a bear," she said.
Officials with the Department of Fish and Game captured the unnamed bear after he was spotted foraging for leftover fish from fishermen's huts, CALM officials said.
State Fish and Game officials were concerned the young bear would get too comfortable being around humans and could pose a safety risk to himself and people.
The new bear can be seen mornings until 1 p.m. The other bear, Cinnamon, makes afternoon appearances in the grotto after 1 p.m.
Eventually, said zoo officials, the two will be introduced.
Here’s a sampling of names adults and children have suggested for Bakersfield’s newest bear:
• Forrest • Charcoal • Baub • Lulu • Digdug • Batman • Spirit • Pepper • Bashful • Chubby
The newest bear at CALM also can be seen during the zoo’s annual barbecue and ice cream social to be held 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday.
The winner of the “Name Our Bear” contest will receive a custom bear from Build-A-Bear Workshop, as well as CALM Family Membership. Entry deadline is Sept. 21. The winner will be announced Sept. 28.
To download a “Name Our Bear” entry form, go to www.calmzoo.org.