Veterinarian to assess health of Shubenacadie bears
Posted Apr 23, 2014 08:50:53 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A veterinarian will assess the health of two bears at Shubenacadie Wildlife Park nearing the end of their expected lifespan.
Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill says the vet will examine the animals, and make a recommendation to the department on whether they should be euthanized.
A department spokesman says bears in the wild typically live about 10-15 years, while a bear in captivity can live between 20-22 years.
The Shubenacadie bears, Ginger and Cinnamon, are about 21-years-old.
Natural Resources Department Director of Wildlife Bob Petrie told News 95.7 the decision won’t be easy for staff.
“Staff work with these animals every day,” said Petrie. “They’re very caring and have a real stake in how these animals are doing.”
Even if the animals – nicknamed the Spice Girls – pass the physical, Petrie said their quality of life will still be an issue at some point.
“What we don’t want is to keep animals with us longer than is good for the animal,” explained Petrie.
It’s not clear when a decision on the bears will be made.
