It's All about the Bears
Posted at 9:52 am April 23, 2007 by Kelly Murphy
For those of you who think that, as a keeper, I just show up to work, punch a clock, and leave everything behind when I return home, you would be mistaken. Working with animals is truly a fulltime job for me. They are living, feeling creatures whose lives are dependent on us. So I always find I need to challenge myself to raise the standards and keep up with the needs of the species as a whole.
So why am I telling you this? Well, I'm at home and I just logged on to the San Diego Zoo's Web site to watch the Polar Cam. Yes, even from home I'm constantly checking up on the bears.
As for Kalluk and Tatqiq, I think the lazy period is winding down (see Kelly's previous blog, Lazy Days of"¦ Spring?). They still enjoy their mid-morning naps, but frequently I find them wrestling and whooping it up come afternoon, sometimes with a toy, sometimes with each other. This confirms that as care givers we're on the right track. We've even taken up a new hobby here at the plunge: painting.
The San Diego Zoo is getting ready to celebrate National Bear Awareness Week May 5 through 13. During this time we will have informative booths, keeper talks, enrichment activities, and even a silent auction. That's where the painting comes in; each of the polar bears tried their hand, or paw if you will, at creating a masterpiece. Two of these prints will be available to bid on. For more information about the event, keep an eye out on our Web site for a schedule and updates. And for all you locals, I hope to see you there!
Kelly Murphy is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo.
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April 23rd, 2007 at 1:54 pm
Thanks, Kelly, I love the photo of the 2 polar bears (Kalluk and Tatqiq?) playing underwater. I love to see them swimming in the dark with the lights in the pool. It looks so COOL and they seem to really enjoy it.
How did they like the painting enrichment? The Orangatangs love it, and so do the elephants, so why not the polar bears? I wonder if pandas would paint in color or black and white, and did the polar bears paint with red since I have read that is one of their favorite colors.
Best wishes on National Bear Awareness week.
April 23rd, 2007 at 2:49 pm
I love animals and its just awesome to know the love and care the animals are getting! You have the best job! the bears are my favorites.
April 23rd, 2007 at 5:07 pm
Kelly,
What is a good time to catch the bears on the cam? Every time I check Polar Plunge there are no bears in sight. Thanks
April 27th, 2007 at 6:03 am
When the bears appear to be pacing back near the rocks, is it because they are awaiting their meals, or is it because they want to go into their " bedroom" area? They don't appear to be stressed, but keep going back and forth across the same 10-20 foot area. Since it usually happens very early in the AM, my guess is that they are anxious for their morning feeding.
May 2nd, 2007 at 11:41 am
Two polar bears, Kalluk and Tatqiq?, are having a great swim this afternoon. They are relishing their aqua skills, pushing off the rocks, diving, and dipping, and playing with their red toy. It is so much fun to see them enjoying themselves. Is Chinook out by herself on exhibit, or has she joined Kalluk and Tatqiq? I am sure she is not used to being alone prior to the lose of Shikari. How is she adjusting?