Teddy

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Teddy was born at Tote-em-in Zoo in Wilmington, North Carolina, along with his brother Baloo. 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.

Watch Teddy's Incredible Story

Milestones

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Birth at Tote-em-in Zoo (January 13, 2003):
Teddy was born at the Tote-em-in Zoo in Wilmington, North Carolina, alongside his brother, Baloo, to Luna Bear, a Himalayan black bear living at the small roadside zoo.

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Initial Separation and Auction (2003):
At just two months old, Teddy and Baloo were sent to an auction house in Ohio. In an effort to keep the brothers together, a well-meaning couple purchased them and donated them to a nearby zoo.

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Adopted by a Couple (2003–2011):
After several months at the zoo, the couple who had originally cared for the cubs adopted them when the zoo decided to part ways with them. They later expanded their bear family by taking in Albert and Cherry Bomb.

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Rescue by Lions Tigers & Bears (May 23, 2014):
Due to the couple’s inability to continue providing proper care, they reached out to Bobbi at Lions Tigers & Bears for help. Thanks to a generous grant and the support of the sanctuary's members, Teddy, along with his bear family, was rescued and brought to Lions Tigers & Bears, ensuring they would never face uncertainty again.

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Meet Our Other Residents

Punkin

Meet Punkin, Our Mountain Lion Punkin and his partner Melanie lived at a private facility in Ohio that bred tiger cubs and other exotic animals. The facility was shut down when the state enacted SB 310 - the Ohio Dangerous Wild Animals Act in 2014. Punkin was rescued in 2015, along with his partner Melanie, and […]

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Maverick

Remembering Maverick, Our Happy-Go-Lucky Boy On Monday, October 26, 2020, a terrible accident occurred during daily care that allowed our tigers Maverick and Moka, who live separately, to come into contact with one another in the same habitat, and ultimately ended tragically in Maverick's death. Our veterinarian came immediately to assess both tigers, and Moka had […]

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Sitarra

Remembering Sitarra, Our Sweet Tiger Girl After rescuing the sanctuary's very first animals, tigers Raja and Natasha, we discovered that Natasha was pregnant. Sitarra and her sister, Tabu, were born here at Lions Tigers & Bears on November 8, 2002. Sitarra (which means "Star of India") weighed just 2 lbs 12 oz at birth. Sitarra […]

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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.

Watch More Videos on Bearss

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Interpreting the Many Sounds and Calls of Bears | Lions Tigers & Bears | Exotic Animal Sanctuary

Why Bears Should Remain in Their Natural Environment | Lions Tigers & Bears Animal Sanctuary

Bears and Their Keen Sense of Smell | Lions Tigers & Bears | San Diego's Exotic Animal Sanctuary

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