Orphaned Black Bear Cub

The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary (IEAS) rescued a small six pound orphaned black bear cub on Tuesday, June 8, 2010. The cub was found and captured wandering at Excursion Inlet just west of Juneau, Alaska. He was motherless, alone and frightened, and was sent to Fortress of the Bear for safe keeping until a home could be found.

"We received word this helpless orphan needed a new home from Tom Schumacher, Biologist at Alaska Game and Fish Dept.," says Richard Gilbreth, Executive Director of IEAS. "We immediately responded to this call and accepted responsibility for his care throughout his life."

Alaska typically does not take a wild animal into captivity unless it has a facility ready to accept it," says Shumacher, acknowledging that otherwise it would have been necessary to euthanize him.

The cub was picked up at Sitka, Alaska by Richard Gilbreth and allowed to ride in the first-class cabin with the assistance of Alaska Airlines and their booking agent, Kerri.

IEAS is offering a special way for you to honor someone in your life by naming this little orphan bear. You can donate $15,000 to name this little cub, and you will be able to take part in his growing up. I know all are hurting during these economic times, but any amount you are able to give will help this little tyke receive the best quality life possible in captivity. Why make him suffer anymore than what he already has...he already lost his mom. Remember, these animals that need your help, it is through no fault of their own. I am sure this little guy would rather be roaming the mountains of Alaska with his mom, but with your help, he will have the next best thing--a quality life here at IEAS.

This young cub has adjusted nicely to his new life here in Texas. He has become very confortable with his new surroundings and his human caregivers. You can find daily updates on how this little bear is doing on myspace, facebook, twitter and youtube. You can also read about him in the Star Telegram.

Mark Your Calender!

DonorBridge is an online portal created by the Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) where potential donors can do research on nonprofit organizations that match their philanthropic interests. To help promote DonorBridge, CFT is planning a "Giving Day" on September 9th and 10th where donations made through the DonorBridge site will have the opportunity to receive matching funds.

Yes. You heard right! If you donate to the animals of IEAS through the DonorBridge website on September 9th or 10th, your donation will be matched by the foundation! This is an excellent opportunity to help raise money for all of the amazing animals of IEAS. So mark the dates on your calendar today!

New Interns Arrive at IEAS

The new interns have arrived for the Summer of 2010! We are happy to welcome Carly C., Alyssa, Carly K. and Nissa to the IEAS team! We are also excited to have Dan and Emily stay with us for another three months! These new interns have already jumped in and gotten their feet wet! There is lots of work to be done for the animals. Despite the extreme heat, long hours and, of course, fire ants, all of the interns are having a great time spending their summer taking care of these magnificent animals! Don't forget that you can help support the Education Program by sponsoring an intern! You can call our office at 940-433-5091 for more information.

As a reminder for anyone who may have missed our last newsletter: Nissa is a very talented artist who will be donated her time and artistic talent to raise money for the Intern Programs of IEAS. If you are interested in having an 8x10 drawing of your favorite animal, now is your chance! Check out our homepage or call the office for more details! Nissa will be finished with her internship in November so don't wait long to put in your requests! She will need enough time to devote to each special project!

July Birthdays!

Lucky

Male American Black Bear
Born July 4, 2008
Rescued November 19, 2008

Lucky will be 2 years old this month. Lucky arrived back in 2008. Not too long after, he was able to move into Bear Orphanage, where he now enjoys the beautiful, natural five acres that he calls home. Lucky has formed a special bond with one of the female black bears, Lucy. Lucky and Lucy are now inseparable, and you will always find them playing together in the pond, napping together in the trees, or exploring together through the meadow. You are now able to tour through Bear Orphanage and see Lucky and all of the other bears who live there!

Turbo

Male Cougar
Born July 14, 1993
Rescued November 1, 1993

Turbo will be 17 years old this month. Turbo is probably the most vocal cougar here at IEAS. He always greets his visitors with his "cougar meow." He loves to have those he knows come to visit and sit by his habitat. He will often come down and lay by the fence and take a long nap. See if you can spot Turbo on your tour at IEAS! Sometimes he can be difficult to find when he is hiding in his cave or napping on his highest perch!

Noel

Male Siberian Tiger
Born July 24, 1995
Rescued December 1, 1995

Noel will be 15 years old this month. Looking at Noel today, it is hard to believe that he couldn't even walk or stand up for the first three weeks of his time here at IEAS. Noel had been abandoned at a vet clinic. His bones were soft and riddled with hairline fractures as a result of the improper diet he had received. Noel made a full recovery with the balanced diet and professional care that he received at IEAS. Noel has no problem getting around now! On your tour, you may find him napping in his house, lounging in his pool, lying on his perch, or...if you're lucky, you may even see him hanging out in his tree!

Taz

Male Bobcat
Born July 25, 1993
Rescued September 17, 1997

Taz will be 17 years old this month. Taz is extremely patient in the morning when he is waiting to be fed. While some of the other bobcats may rush to the door and demand that you toss their piece of chicken in as fast as you can, Taz will see you coming and go wait patiently in the corner of his habitat to be fed. He will quietly watch as you place a pan of fresh food in front of him and remove his old pan from the day before. Once you have left, Taz will calmly begin to eat his breakfast. We only wish that every cat could be so polite!