You are here: Home : Conservation & Research : International : Polarbear Rescue : Polarbear Rescue FAQ
Zookeeper's Tip: To tell the bears apart look at their front feet, Wilhelm does not have claws but, Masha’s claws are easily seen.
Q: How did you find out about the bears?
A: Wilhelm and Masha, were among six polar bears seized by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) on November 5, 2002. The bears were confiscated from the Mexico-based Suarez Brother’s Circus for violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and were relocated to the North Carolina Zoological Park November 19, 2002. Two other male bears were transferred to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, WA and one female bear was moved to the Detroit Zoo. A sixth bear named Royale, died in transit.
Q: What laws protect the polarbears?
A: Under the protection of the United States Marine Mammal Act, animals may not be transferred to a facility within or outside the US that does not meet the housing and husbandry requirements established for that species. The USFWS denied a permit to the circus restricting the circus from legally removing the bears from the US. The bears remained in Puerto Rico despite stifling heat and humidity for over a year while their future was debated.
Q: Where were the bears born?
A: One report indicates Wilhelm was born in Copenhagen Zoo and Masha was born at a zoo in the former Soviet Union. Reports also state that both bears were sold to an animal dealer active in Europe. However, other information conflicts with this report and the NC Zoo will continue to research the polarbear’s origins.
Q: Why are their coats so yellow?
A: The yellowing is most likely a natural color variation. Polar bears have a great degree of color variation naturally. Their coats are much cleaner than when they arrived and may lighten a bit more. There may be some changes when the bears shed.
Q: What are they eating?
A: The bears have been eating a primarily vegetarian diet – they seem to prefer fruits and vegetables to meat and fish but keepers are trying to introduce meats and fish to help put on weight.
Canned sardines have been their primary meat source thus far. Cod liver oil is mixed with many of their food items to encourage them to eat; they seem to like it. Both bears are also receiving daily Vitamin supplements.
Q: Why are the bears not out?
A: The bears go on exhibit about 10:00 a.m. and off exhibit between 2:00pm and 3:00pm. This will be expanded as their condition improves. Because their appetites are poor, zookeepers are spending extra time trying to get them to eat.
The bears have had relatively little opportunity to exercise while in the circus and seem to tire easily.The zookeepers are currently trying to train the bears to come back to their quarters for food, so right now the bears will typically received food every time they go inside.
Q: Who helped with the bear's recovery?
A: It took the assistance of many people to rescue the bears including:
e-mail this page
print this page
N.C. Zoo is a member institution of AZA and an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr. Secretary; Michael F. Easley, Governor. A part of the North Carolina Government portal.
The Zoo is closed Christmas day and during severe weather. Call our information line at: 1-800-488-0444.
