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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 Zoo on November 19, 2002.
The rescue of Wilhelm and Masha are significant additions to the North Carolina Zoological Park. With their arrival, all of the bears that reside here are now rescue bears.
"The bears are clearly in a much better place today than they have been in a very long time. " |
The North Carolina Zoo staff has a strong commitment to animal welfare and is proud of their efforts to rescue animals that have been mistreated and give them a better home. The North Carolina Zool remains committed to the ethical and responsible treatment of animals.
If you have a question about one of the bears check our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.
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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.
