IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Our travel boxes are selling out! Grab your Shop TODAY Staycation box for 63% off before it's gone

'Rescued' in Oregon, bear cub finds new home in Wisconsin

This adorable American black bear cub has been on quite an adventure since an Oregon family took him from the wild in April. Now living comfortably at the Northeastern Wisconsin (NEW) Zoo, he began his journey from Oregon when a family found him, took him home, and then called the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife after realizing they had no idea how to care for a wild animal.Lucky fo
The young cub plays with a stuffed otter toy at the Oregon Zoo's veterinary medical center.
The young cub plays with a stuffed otter toy at the Oregon Zoo's veterinary medical center.Carli Davidson/Oregon Zoo
By Lisa Granshaw and Lisa Granshaw
Taken in by the Oregon Zoo, this curious bear cub excitedly explores his surroundings.
Taken in by the Oregon Zoo, this curious bear cub excitedly explores his surroundings.Carli Davidson/Oregon Zoo

This adorable American black bear cub has been on quite an adventure since an Oregon family took him from the wild in April. Now living comfortably at the Northeastern Wisconsin (NEW) Zoo, he began his journey from Oregon when a family found him, took him home, and then called the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife after realizing they had no idea how to care for a wild animal.

Lucky for the 2 1/2-month-old cub, the department quickly stepped in and asked an Oregon Zoo keeper to give him much-needed round-the-clock care. The problem: Having had such care, the young cub would no longer be able to survive on his own in the wild, so a new permanent home had to be found for him.

The young cub plays with a stuffed otter toy at the Oregon Zoo's veterinary medical center.
The young cub plays with a stuffed otter toy at the Oregon Zoo's veterinary medical center.Carli Davidson/Oregon Zoo

The bear was doing well at the Oregon Zoo, but he couldn't stay: The zoo, which already had four black bears, just didn't have room. That's when the NEW Zoo stepped in at the beginning of May. They were excited by the prospect of a companion for their adult black bear, Winnie.

At the NEW Zoo, the cub was named Aldo and his round-the-clock care was taken over by curator of animals Carmen Murach. At first, Murach took Aldo home to nurse him and help him adjust to a new environment, giving him the chance to bond with a "parental figure." But now he's grown comfortable enough to stay at the zoo at night, as long as he gets constant visits from Murach.

Aldo explores his new home at the Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo.
Aldo explores his new home at the Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo.Carmen Murach/NEW Zoo
What's for lunch? Aldo hangs out on a picnic table at the NEW Zoo.
What's for lunch? Aldo hangs out on a picnic table at the NEW Zoo.Carmen Murach/NEW Zoo

Aldo will have to wait a little longer before he can meet his fellow black bear, though. "Even a slightly annoyed swat from a full-grown bear could do some serious damage to the little cub," Murach explained to TODAY.com. "His real mother could have jumped in between him and other bears to protect him, but I am not up for that challenge!" So the two bears will be introduced to each other slowly over the next month or two.

Aldo's story has a happy ending, but it also serves as an important reminder that wildlife belongs in the wild. According to Murach, most animals people "rescue" from the wild are simply waiting for their parent to return. 

Aldo has moved on from playing with a stuffed otter to playing with a plastic penguin.
Aldo has moved on from playing with a stuffed otter to playing with a plastic penguin.Jessica Hutjens/NEW Zoo
Bear versus plastic penguin: Who will win? Aldo practices his big bear growl on the fake bird.
Bear versus plastic penguin: Who will win? Aldo practices his big bear growl on the fake bird.Jessica Hutjens/NEW Zoo

"Most species leave their youngsters alone for long periods – partly to avoid drawing attention to the infants' whereabouts," Murach said. "The fact that they often show no fear of humans is attributable to their inexperience with life – not a need to seek out help. Unless the baby is found next to a dead mother, it most likely is not in need of rescue"

However, if you do suspect an infant wild animal is in need of help, Murach suggests contacting a local wildlife agency so they can further evaluate the situation. 

Messy eater! The cub enjoys eating his formula at the Oregon Zoo.
Messy eater! The cub enjoys eating his formula at the Oregon Zoo.Carli Davidson/Oregon Zoo
Michelle Schireman, the Oregon zookeeper who cared for Aldo, had experience taking in orphaned cougar cubs. She took the cub home at night and left him at the veterinary medical center when she worked during the day.
Michelle Schireman, the Oregon zookeeper who cared for Aldo, had experience taking in orphaned cougar cubs. She took the cub home at night and left him at the veterinary medical center when she worked during the day.Carli Davidson/Oregon Zoo
Hogging the spotlight: This little American black bear is definitely not camera shy!
Hogging the spotlight: This little American black bear is definitely not camera shy!Carli Davidson/Oregon Zoo
Aldo is an active little cub who loves to play.
Aldo is an active little cub who loves to play.Carli Davidson/Oregon Zoo
A future camerabear? The cub plays with a GoPro camera.
A future camerabear? The cub plays with a GoPro camera.Carli Davidson/Oregon Zoo

Watch a YouTube video of Aldo's antics at the Oregon Zoo:

More:

 

TODAY.com producer Lisa Granshaw hopes everyone remembers that while baby wildlife can be adorable, they don't belong in your home. If you want a cute bear, buy a stuffed animal!