Zoo black bear exhibit now open

A new black bear exhibit has opened at the Birmingham Zoo.

Two rescued North American black bears, Bety and Sassy, now live in an interactive and educational exhibit that spans nearly an acre.

The new Barbara Ingalls Shook Black Bear Trail, located in the Alabama Wilds area of the Junior League of Birmingham – Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo, opened to zoo members on Thursday, Aug. 6 and will open to the public on Saturday, Aug. 8 at noon.

The “backyard” habitat will demonstrate how humans can share the same environment with native wildlife. In the “wild” habitat, the bears may be seen foraging under the trees, ripping apart logs or lounging in a stream. This new exhibit will aim to encourage humans to be good stewards for bears and their environment.

“We want zoo guests to experience what would happen if they leave food sources in their backyard to attract bears, and what they can do to coexist with bears, whose numbers are increasing in Alabama,” said Dr. William Foster, zoo president & CEO.

Foster said that the exhibit is an example of the zoo’s emphasis on conservation and research regarding animals in the wild.

There is no additional cost to visit the Barbara Ingalls Shook Black Bear Trail.

The exhibit was made possible through a lead gift from the Barbara Ingalls Shook Foundation along with contributiosn from The Daniel Foundation of Alabama, Hill Crest Foundation, the Birmingham Zoo Junior Board, Timken Foundation, Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Pappas and IBERIABANK.

For more information, visit birminghamzoo.com.