Black Bear pleases trainers at Topeka Zoo
9:50 a.m. Monday, August 6, 2007
When you visit the Topeka Zoo you usually don't get to go behind-the-scenes of the bear exhibit. But, that's exactly what 49 News takes you in the video above.
Bear Trainer Kevin Mollahan said training the bears is important because it makes physical examinations a little easier.
Juneau, an American Black Bear weighing in at 291 pounds, has been at the Topeka Zoo since 2001. Juneau's training is going good because he is "very food-motivated," Mollahan said.
The Black Bear responds to the word "Mark." When trainers place this stick in front of him, he moves and poses.
Zoo info
If you want to see Juneau and other animals at the Topeka Zoo but don't know when zoo hours are, log on to Topeka.org/Zoo for hours, ticket prices and special events.
"He loves doing training. He's very easy to work with," he said.
Mollahan trains the bear to work with veterinarians, for example training them to open their mouths for a dental exam.
Trainers also use a red, plastic knob on a stick to teach bears how to stand up, so vets can examine their body.
Juneau came to the zoo from Juneau, Alaska. Zoo director Mike Coker says the Black Bear population is relatively stable, but Grizzly Bear numbers are decreasing and Polar bears are critically endangered.
"Out of the seven species of bears worldwide, we are very fortunate really to have three here in North America," said Mike Coker.
Black bears were native to Kansas about 100 years ago. Black bears can live up to 25 years, but there has been a mortality rate of just 10 years recently.
Learn more about Black Bears here.
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