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DESCRIPTION
In 2007 a talented group of captive bear care professionals created a non-profit organization called the Bear Care Group. The Bear Care Group creates and enhances communication, cooperation and education among international bear care professionals by organizing bear care programs, publications and resources focused on advancing and sharing information on bear behavior, husbandry, enrichment, training, veterinary care and other topics to further global bear welfare and conservation efforts.
Another great meeting in Banff Canada for ABC 2011
Advancing Bear Care 2009 Conference in San Francisco was sold out.
The 3-day event was highlighted with presentations by bear biologists Robyn Appleton and Siew Te Wong.
A visit to the California Academy of Sciences and a presentation by American black bear rehabilitator, behaviorist, and author Ben Kilham.
During lunch we mingled with bear skulls and bones on exhibit and had help with inpretation by museum staff Ray Bandar and Tony Colonnese; retired San Francisco Zoo bearkeeper. Our sincere appreciation to Mike Hartnett and the staff at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Mo Flannery and the California Academy of Sciences staff, the San Francisco Zoo staff and volunteers for their wonderful hospitality.
Bear Care Group Goes to China
Gail shared an opportunity of a lifetime traveling to Chengdu, China with members of the Bear Care Group. The team was by invited by Jill Robinson, founder of Animals Asia to tour the facility dedicated to the rescue of the Moon bear from bear bile farming. Their talents were put to work helping to give worming medication in marshmallows and ice cream toppings. (Click Here-Video)The team observed first hand how these bears have survived after being housed in cruel, inhumane situations. Everyone enjoyed working with the talented veterinary and animal care staff. To date Animal’s Asia has rescued 338 bears and closed 44 bear farms.
They visited with staff at both the Chengdu Zoo and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
Gail’s Chinese colleagues from the Zoo Atlanta Panda project were very interested in learning more about infant bear cub immunity. It was a highlight for Gail to meet with Sarah Bexell, Director of Conservation Education and to share ideas with vice director Dr. Wang Chengdong and his veterinary staff at the Panda Base. Exchanging new information on this subject with a PowerPoint presentation using an interpreter proved to be challenging but successful. Gail’s visit left a lasting impression as she presented the directors of both facilities with the latest publications on hand-rearing avian and zoo animals. Truly a gratifying experience and a career highlight.