Pets

Durham museum welcomes baby bear cub

The cub joins the museum's three adult black bears, Mimi (19), Gus (17), and Little Bear (2). The public will get a chance to vote on a name for the baby via social media in coming weeks.

Posted 2023-11-21T14:15:33+00:00 - Updated 2023-11-21T14:42:45+00:00

A 9-month-old bear cub has joined the pack at Durham's Museum of Life and Science.

The 88-pound cub joins the museum's three adult black bears, Mimi (19), Gus (17), and Little Bear (2). The public will get a chance to vote on a name for the baby via social media in coming weeks.

According to a news release, the bear cub was found abandoned in April. He was put in a rehabilitative setting with other bear cubs, but in September it became evident that he would not be able to survive in the wild.

Wildlife officials asked the museum if it could be the cub's forever home.

"This cub brings a youthful energy that is truly infectious. Our team is excited to observe the interactions between the cub and our other bears," said Sherry Samuels, senior director of animal care.

The bear exhibit and the rest of the Museum of Life and Science is open to the public weekly Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The museum is also home to a butterfly house, red wolves, insectarium, outdoor and indoor playspaces, farm animals and more.

Tickets can be purchased online.