ASHEBORO, N.C. (ACME NEWS) — The North Carolina Zoo has welcomed Ronan, a 740-pound male grizzly bear, to its North America habitat. The 9-year-old grizzly was relocated from Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona, based on a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Ronan arrived following the death of Tommo, a grizzly bear who lived at the Zoo for 26 years. The grizzly bear habitat has remained empty since last summer.
Ronan and his twin sister Finley were rescued in 2003 when they were barely one year old after wildlife officials in Yellowstone deemed their mother a “nuisance” bear. Such bears lose their fear of humans after associating people with food sources and pose significant threats to human safety by raiding campsites and hiking trails. Many nuisance bears, including Ronan’s mother, must be euthanized as a result.
The siblings shared a habitat at Reid Park Zoo. However, grizzlies are solitary animals and require separate living spaces as they mature.
Jay Stutz, the Zoo’s curator of mammals, said Ronan has adapted well to his new home.
“He is settling in well and already building meaningful relationships with his keepers,” Stutz said. “We all look forward to the experiences that he will share with our guests and staff.”
Stephanie Norton, an animal welfare specialist at Reid Park Zoo, described Ronan as a calm and easygoing bear who had become a favorite among keepers during his time in Arizona.
The North Carolina Zoo works with the AZA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to provide homes for nuisance and orphaned bears.
Male grizzlies in the wild typically live about 22 years, weigh between 400 and 700 pounds, and can reach speeds of 30 mph over short distances. Approximately 55,000 wild grizzlies inhabit North America, with most living in Alaska. About 1,500 inhabit the lower 48 states.
For more information on reducing human-bear conflict, visit bearwise.org.
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