February 22, 2024 2:50 a.m.

Wildlife Safari is celebrating the arrival of a one-year-old male grizzly bear cub named Takelma.

A Safari release said Takelma’s journey began in a remote region of Alaska, where he was discovered orphaned and interacting with humans near a lodge. Recognizing that this could become problematic in the future and seeing his need for safety and well-being, Wildlife Safari, in collaboration with a team of biologists and volunteers in Alaska, orchestrated a mission to bring the bear cub into human care.

Public Relations Manager Taylor Holeman said after being carefully examined at the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage, Takelma was deemed fit to make the trip to his new home at Wildlife Safari. The bear is now participating in daily training that assists keepers in giving him the best possible care.

Carnivore Lead Keeper Sydney Bates said, “Takelma is already such an intelligent and happy-go-lucky bear who excels in his daily husbandry and medical training”. Bates said, “We are super excited to watch as his personality continues to grow and see him becoming lifelong friends with our other one-year-old female grizzly, Teddy”.

The plan is for the bears to become companions, playing and living together for the rest of their lives. They can now be seen playing in the bear loop of the Safari Drive Thru.

The entire journey to bring Takelma to Wildlife Safari was made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians. Under the leadership of Chairman Carla Keen, the Tribe bestowed the name “Takelma” upon the bear cub, which is derived from the native word, meaning those along the river.

Wildlife Safari Executive Director Dan Van Slyke said, “We went to thank the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe for their support of Wildlife Safari. They have been and continue to be an excellent partner for us”.