Kaja, Photo by Oliver Utz
Bears find themselves at the spot where two deep-seated but contradictory human impulses collide: the desire to feel protected from unforeseeable danger and the longing for unspoiled nature. —Bears: A Brief History
This lovely bear has been sitting in my “to be blogged” bin since February. Her name is Kaja. My Love Notes friend, Eileen V, sent the postcard after learning about my love for bears through a blog post featuring vintage bear postcards from another Love Notes friend.
Kaja is Eileen’s rescue bear. She was rescued along with her two sisters after spending 15 years in a small, concrete garage. The bears were poorly fed and had no exercise. As a result they suffer from arthritis.
The animals are now sheltered in the Black Forest Woods in Alternativer wolf und Bärenpark [Alternative Wolf and Bear Park] Schwarzwald in Germany, which provides the bears [and wolves] with an “animal-friendly home where they can use a natural environment to explore the area, hide, dig caves, bathe or retreat to hibernation.” In the park the animals “rediscover instincts and natural behaviors.”
I’m happy that Kaja has a home designed for her needs, but it saddens me that misdirected “love” for animals leads to their being mistreated. A bear is not a pet. Neither is a panther. Nor a bobcat. Nor a dolphin. Nor an alligator. Nor a rattlesnake.
Love them, but leave them where they belong.
Pics and Posts 
Here, here! 😉
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Animals who have their homes should keep them without interference from misguided “do gooders.” Chandra, I read your comment on my “Lucy” story and happy that you liked it. I’m now a follower of your blog and looking forward to reading more.
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Agreed! Thanks for following along with my randomness. 😀
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The animals don’t domesticate well. Although, we did have a local country store that had a 50 pound bobcat as a pet. The owner was a retired DNR officer who could properly care for it.
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I hope so!
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NOT PETS even if you can afford them 😭
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Tell ’em, Ty!
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