As of: May 1, 2024 6:00 a.m
Almost two years ago, the collared bear Malvina moved into the Weidefeld animal protection center. After initial difficulties, she should now learn to live with her two male counterparts.
With clicking noises, the collared bear Serenus runs excitedly back and forth along the fence of his enclosure in the Weidefeld animal protection center in Kappeln (Schleswig-Flensburg district). He already knows the ritual. Because he can now get to know the bear lady Malvina through a lock. But before that happens, behavioral biologist and bear expert Patrick Boncourt prepares the enclosure. Carrots, carrots, apples and pears are said to help the bears relax. “Even for bears, the way through their stomach is through their stomach,” says Patrick Boncourt as he smears honey on the trunk of a tree. He explains that 80 percent of the bears’ diet consists of fruits and vegetables. The rest is covered by meat from dead animals.
Serenus and Balou become new enclosure companions
The shy female bear Malvina waits patiently in her box. She only knows these for feeding. She is actually out and about in her spacious enclosure all day and at night – so far alone. She has been living at the Weidefelder animal protection center for two years and recently woke up from hibernation. Now she is gradually being socialized with the other two collared bears – the brothers Serenus and Balou. Because in the future the bears should be able to live together. “Balou is more of a bully and with his weight and his impetuous nature he would intimidate Malvina. We have been making sure that she feels safe for two years. That’s why we’re starting with Serenus, he’s more of an alpha animal and a bit more cautious,” Patrick Boncourt said He studies the behavior of bears and therefore knows exactly what he can expect of the animals.
Rescued from Ukraine
In 2022, Malvina had to be rescued from the war zone in Ukraine. There she lived in a rescue center near Kiev after she was rescued from a private facility by animal rights activists. But with the outbreak of war she was no longer safe. It is not clear where exactly she came from as a young bear. The fate of many bears lies in the hands of bootleggers or poachers. Malvina was allowed to move into Kappeln as a collared bear – the former Bundeswehr site is the only facility in Europe that takes in collared bears.
Groping on the “cuddle gate”
Malvina needed time to get used to Weidefeld – so far she only knew her two companions Serenus and Balou from the adjacent enclosure fence. But that is changing now. Malvina and Serenus have already sniffed each other at the so-called “cuddle gate” and have been spending a short time together in the enclosure for a few days. Patrick Boncourt opens the gate behind which Serenus is already waiting longingly. Meanwhile, Malvina prefers to hide behind a bush and seek protection there. At first Serenus is only concerned with the fruit and slowly makes his way towards Malvina. However, she continues to flee – she is only hesitant in approaching the bear.
A milestone for Malvina
Patrick Boncourt observes the meeting from outside. “Usually the bear is a solitary animal in nature. We therefore rely on the spring feelings when socializing so that it is positive and harmonious. It is important that the animals go in and out with a good feeling and that there are no rattles.” Today things are looking more than good. After about 40 minutes, Malvina and Serenus stand close together and without any stress. A milestone for Patrick Boncourt: “Malvina is a very shy and withdrawn girl. She ventured out of her comfort zone, kept an eye on Serenus and showed herself to be humble. Today was a very, very good start.”
Good chances of living together harmoniously
Malvina will also take the next steps in the next few days. “If things continue as harmoniously as before over the next two weeks, then we have a really good chance that the bears can establish themselves as a long-term couple,” says Patrick Boncourt, looking ahead. Serenus is lured back into his original enclosure with food – his brother Balou is already waiting there, who has to wait a few more weeks until he can really get to know Malvina. The collared bear now has time to process her experiences with some honey.
Further information
During the breeding season the animals had fallen out of their nests. They were then looked after in the Eekholt Wildlife Park. more
Asphalted roads, gravel gardens, robotic lawnmowers and a limited supply of food cause problems for the animals. more
Schleswig-Holstein Magazine
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Schleswig-Holstein Magazine | May 1, 2024 | 19:30 o’clock