Baloo

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Meet Baloo, Our Himalayan Black Bear

Baloo was born at Tote-em-in Zoo in Wilmington, North Carolina, along with his brother Teddy. They were the offspring of Luna Bear, a Himalayan black bear who lived at Tote-em-in Zoo.

A couple frequented the zoo to visit with Luna Bear and over time got to know the owners of the small roadside zoo. After Luna Bear gave birth to Teddy and Baloo, the couple helped care for the two cubs. When the cubs turned two months old, the owners of the zoo decided to send Teddy and Baloo to an auction house in Ohio, where they faced an unknown destiny. To spare the bears from being separated, they were bought by this well-meaning couple and donated to a zoo in a nearby town.

Unfortunately, after a few months at that zoo, the zoo owners decided they did not want the cubs anymore. They gave the couple an ultimatum: take them or leave them and they will be sent to auction, so the couple decided to adopt the bears and provide them with a home.

A few years later, the couple also took in two more bears, Albert and Cherry Bomb. Around 2011, unforeseen circumstances arose. The couple struggled to provide adequate care for the bears, but when it came to a point that the couple was no longer able to provide a proper home for the bears, they reached out to Bobbi for help.

Through a generous grant and an outpouring of support from Lions Tigers & Bears' members and supporters, Bobbi and the Lions Tigers & Bears Rescue Team was able to travel to North Carolina to rescue Albert, Cherry Bomb, Teddy and Baloo in late May 2014.

The bear family of four now call Lions Tigers & Bears home and they never have to face an uncertain future again.

Watch Baloo's Incredible Story

Milestones

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Rescued by Lions Tigers & Bears (May 23, 2014) – Baloo, along with his brother Teddy, was rescued from a private zoo in North Carolina where they had been kept in inadequate conditions. This rescue was made possible through the efforts of Bobbi and LTB, supported by generous donations.

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Arrival at Lions Tigers & Bears (May 23, 2014) – Baloo arrived at Lions Tigers & Bears, where he was provided with a proper, spacious habitat and the medical care he needed, marking the start of his life in a safe and loving sanctuary environment.

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Reuniting with His Brother Teddy (May 2014) – Baloo was reunited with his brother, Teddy, at LTB, after being separated for a while due to the difficult circumstances they had faced before the rescue.

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Thriving at LTB (2014 – Present) – Baloo has thrived at Lions Tigers & Bears ever since his rescue. He enjoys the companionship of other bears, especially Teddy, and has a fulfilling life filled with proper nutrition, care, and love, living his days in peace and comfort.

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Meet Our Other Residents

Melanie

Remembering Melanie, Our Mountain Lion Melanie and her partner Punkin lived at a private facility in Ohio that bred tiger cubs and other exotic animals. It is likely Melanie and Punkin were used as a breeding pair to produce cubs for the exotic animal trade. The facility was shut down when the state enacted SB […]

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Rocky

Rocky had a unique past as a former entertainment bear in the film industry. When his "retirement" finally came, he found himself at a Southern California boarding facility, which, unfortunately, was far too small to accommodate a bear of his size. Recognizing the need for a better life for Rocky, Bobbi stepped in to provide […]

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Blossom

Meet Blossom, Our Black Bear Blossom and Delilah were the last remaining residents at a roadside zoo in Oklahoma that had lost funding and was forced to close its doors. The zoo officials faced financial difficulties as they sought to provide proper care for their 240 animals and find new homes for them. However, in […]

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FAQ's

What do bears eat?

Bears are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet varies by species and season but typically includes berries, nuts, roots, insects, fish, and small mammals. Some bears, like grizzlies, are skilled hunters, while others, like black bears, rely more on foraging.

Where do bears live?

Bears are found across North America, Europe, Asia, and even parts of South America. They inhabit a variety of ecosystems, including forests, mountains, tundras, and coastal regions. Each species has its own preferred habitat, such as polar bears in the Arctic and black bears in dense woodlands.

How long do bears live?

In the wild, bears typically live 15-25 years, depending on the species and environmental factors. In captivity, with proper care and veterinary attention, they can live over 30 years.

Are bears social animals?

No, most bears are solitary, except for mothers raising cubs. However, some species, like grizzlies, may gather in groups when food is abundant, such as during salmon runs. Bears communicate through body language, vocalizations, and scent markings.

How fast can bears run?

Despite their size, bears are surprisingly fast. Depending on the species, they can run between 30-40 mph (48-64 km/h) in short bursts. Black bears are particularly agile climbers, while grizzlies have immense power for chasing down prey or defending themselves.

Are bears endangered?

Some bear species are endangered due to habitat destruction, poaching, and climate change. For example, polar bears are at risk due to melting sea ice, while Asiatic black bears are hunted for the illegal wildlife trade. Other species, like American black bears, have stable populations but still face threats from human-wildlife conflict.

How many bears are in captivity?

Thousands of bears are held in captivity worldwide, often in roadside zoos, circuses, or private ownership. Many are used for entertainment, bred for the exotic pet trade, or kept in small enclosures with inadequate care. Sanctuaries like Lions Tigers & Bears rescue and rehabilitate bears from these situations, giving them a safe and natural environment to live out their lives.

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