Meet the Sequoia Park Zoo’s incoming fuzzy wuzzy resident, Cub 24-3926! (He will get a new name once zoo staff get to know him a bit.) | Photos via Gold Country Wildlife Rescue.

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The Sequoia Park Zoo took to Facebook this afternoon to announce some exciting news: Another baby black bear is en route!

The orphaned bear — known as “Cub 24-3926” — currently resides at the Gold Country Wildlife Rescue (GCWR) in Auburn. When he arrived at the facility six months ago, he was “severely compromised,” weighing just 20 pounds and nearly hairless with “multiple serious health issues, including bacterial and fungal skin infections (yeast and ringworm), and deep ear infections in both ears.”

“Now nearly 80 pounds, fully furred, and thriving, this resilient cub has made an inspiring recovery,” the wildlife rescue wrote in a press release. “However, after thorough monitoring and evaluation, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has determined that while his progress has been remarkable, there remain concerns about his long-term survivability in the wild. In particular, it’s unclear whether he can reliably grow and maintain the thick undercoat essential for surviving harsh winter conditions — a critical trait for wild bears.”

CDFW decided the cub would require permanent human care for the duration of his life, and thought he’d fit right in with Tule and Ishŭng among the towering redwoods at Sequoia Park Zoo. The wildlife rescue is still working with the zoo to determine the exact timing of his transfer. 

“We are honored to be part of this resilient black bear’s journey,” the zoo wrote in a Facebook post. “His arrival date is flexible, and we will update our supporters with more details once he is in our care – including his name! The Sequoia Park Zoo’s Black Bear habitat was generously funded by the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria, whose Council members choose the name for each new bear, and we look forward to announcing his name once it is has been decided.”

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In other heart-warming zoo news, Boris and Ivana Screamlot, a pair of Crested Screamers, hatched a healthy chick at the end of April. Zoo staff say the one-month-old screamer “appears to be thriving” and represents a “celebration for conservation.” Gaze upon the Screamlot’s family portrait below.

Photo: Sequoia Park Zoo


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If you’re still in need of some cute animal-related news, you should know that our beloved Ishŭng has been hard at work playing with sticks and spinning wheels in her new play structure. Look at her go!