Liberty holds a special place in the hearts of Lions Tigers & Bears'"' (LTB), and that's why her habitat is known as "Liberty's Station." She was the very first black bear to find a home at LTB, and her story is a testament to the power of rescue and compassion.
Much like Meatball, Liberty's journey to LTB began in the wild. As a cub, she was separated from her mother and learned to fend for herself in the campgrounds near Mt. Baldy, California.
Yearling bears like Liberty naturally leave their mothers to establish their own territories. Unfortunately, when these young bears venture into campgrounds where campers are not practicing bear safety, their chances of survival become bleak.
In a rare and heartwarming act of compassion, an officer with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife couldn't bear to witness yet another yearling bear facing euthanasia. Instead, he took the extraordinary step of reaching out to LTB.
On the 4th of July in 2009, Liberty made her way to LTB, accompanied by the very agent who had saved her. This brave officer's children had a special role in this rescue-they gave her the name "Liberty."
Liberty's story not only symbolizes freedom and hope but also serves as a reminder of the incredible difference that can be made through acts of kindness and compassion towards wildlife in need.