ST. LOUIS (AP) — An escape-artist bear from Missouri is headed to a Texas zoo with a moat in hopes that it’s going to put an finish to his wandering.
The St. Louis Zoo cited the “particular and distinctive character” of the Andean bear named Ben in asserting the transfer Tuesday. His soon-to-be house on the Gladys Porter Zoo close to South Padre Island in Brownsville, Texas, has an extended historical past of working with Andean bears. But it surely’s nonetheless including some additional safety measures.
“We’re assured it’s going to be good for Ben,” stated Walter Dupree, the Texas zoo’s curator of mammals.
Ben gained notoriety in February by busting out of his habitat twice.
The primary time, the 4-year-old, 280-pound (127-kilogram) bear tore aside clips that connected stainless-steel mesh to the body of a door. However he was recaptured earlier than the zoo opened for the day.
Zoo staff then added zip tie-like attachments fabricated from stainless-steel that had 450 kilos (204 kilograms) of tensile power. However Ben managed to flee by these about two weeks later. The zoo was open this time, however he was captured lower than an hour in a while a public path.
Ben now lives in a nonpublic space of the St. Louis Zoo, the place he can transfer indoors and out — and even splash in a pool — whereas he awaits his transfer.
“He’s so enjoyable, he’s so playful — we’d love to have the ability to maintain him right here,” stated Regina Mossotti, the St. Louis Zoo’s vp of animal care.