Three of the five rehabilitated Florida black bear cubs await their release.

It’s been an un-bear-ably exciting week as five Florida black bear cubs who were rehabilitated in part by our Zoo were released to their natural range! 

Along with staff from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), we finally bid our goodbyes Dec. 6 as we watched the bears run into their new home in the forest. 

Since the start of our bear rehabilitation program, we’ve never had so many cubs come through our doors! Each of these cubs came into our care over the past few months before moving to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park for further rehabilitation: 

• Hazel and Ichabod: These two, who arrived in a healthy condition, were brought into our care after their mother was struck and killed by a car. 

• Harry: When Harry arrived at our Zoo, she was underweight and ridden with ticks. We helped her gain weight and gave her tick treatment. 

• Turner: After coming to us with a small cut in her paw, internal parasites and ticks, we treated Turner for her various ailments.  

• Hermione: This cub was brought into our care after being found wandering around without her mom. She was otherwise healthy. 

If you look closely, you can see a cub that climbed up a tree after being released!

Our Zoo, animal care team and veterinary staff are honored to have played a part in giving these cubs a shot at a new beginning. Working with staff in FWC’s Bear Management Program, we are determined to ensure that Florida black bear cubs like these receive the care they need, allowing them to thrive in their natural range once again. 

Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels, as we hope to soon release Pickles and Millie, two of our other bear cubs being rehabilitated. 

Special thanks to Flammio Financial Group, Stifel-Garvin Wealth Management Group, Artemis IT, and Jim and Darleen Barfield. Their generosity makes our work possible! 

Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funding for our operating costs. Your generous support enables us to continue to serve our community and continue our vital animal wellness, education and conservation programs.