For Immediate Release, April 18, 2008
Contact: Kelly Lessard (952) 431-9217

GRIZZLY BEARS ARRIVE AT THE MINNESOTA ZOO

Bears to be part of Russia’s Grizzly Coast opening June 7 (Editor’s Note: Bears are in an off-exhibit holding area, and for their health and safety cannot be photographed or videotaped at this time. Photos of the bears are available by calling Kelly Lessard).

Apple Valley, MN – April 18, 2008: Sadie, Haines, and Kenai–three orphaned grizzly bears that have been residing at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) since they were first rescued in 2006–have arrived at the Minnesota Zoo. The bears will be part of the Zoo’s new Russia’s Grizzly Coast exhibit opening June 7, 2008. (The bears are off-exhibit at this time).

The bears arrived at the Zoo early this morning and are doing very well. They are currently off-exhibit for a routine quarantine period before the grand opening of their new home. A spectacular new, $23.6 million exhibit, Russia’s Grizzly Coast will represent one of the world’s last great wild places, the Russian Far East. In addition to the bears, the exhibit will also feature sea otters, Amur leopards, and wild boars.

Sadie – Found near a landfill in Kotzebue, Alaska, Sadie was rescued by the local Department of Fish and Game in June, 2006. Officials named her after Sadie Creek, near where she was orphaned, and transferred her to the AWCC. Sadie is known as the most inquisitive of the three bears.

Haines – A second bear cub, “Haines,” was found in July, 2006 and is nearly the same age as Sadie. This orphan received his name after he was found roaming the porches and yards around the town of Haines, Alaska. Shortly after being found, he joined Sadie at the AWCC. Haines is a very large bear with a calm and easy going disposition.

Kenai – In September, 2006, “Kenai” was found orphaned along the coast near Seward, Alaska and joined Sadie and Haines shortly after he was found. Kenai is smaller than Haines, and enjoys joining his adopted brother in daily wrestling matches.

For more information on the Minnesota Zoo and Russia’s Grizzly Coast, visit mnzoo.org or call the Zoo’s information line at 952.431.9500. The Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.