Andean bear settles into new habitat at the ABQ BioPark

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The ABQ BioPark introduced its newest resident at the zoo on Monday which is a bear with a mischievous history. After a long drive from Brownsville, Texas, Ben the Andean bear is getting accustomed to his new habitat. The Andean bear is native to South America and is a vulnerable species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

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The group said there are only 10,000 left in the wild. “There are few Andean bears in the wild. We are hoping Ben can be an ambassador species here at the Albuquerque BioPark to promote conservation,” said Assistant Mammal Curator Casey Taylor, ABQ BioPark.

Before Brownsville, Ben lived at the St. Louis Zoo where he earned a reputation as an escape artist. The zoo said he broke out from his enclosure twice. “He’s gotten out of his main habitat because he is very clever, very adventurous. In St. Louis, his habitat was set up a little differently. So here at Albuquerque, that won’t be possible the way he explored in St. Louis,” said Taylor.

Ben will still get to climb and explore as Andean bears naturally like to do. The habitat is equipped with a verticle jungle gym, shallow pool, and areas for Ben to dig in. Visitors can find Ben’s habitat in the old Mayalan tiger habitat.

Ben’s Houdini act is why he was moved from St. Louis to a more secure enclosure in Brownsville while zoo officials searched for a more suitable home. The BioPark said the plan is to make Albuquerque his permanent home.

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