Getting to know bears

In August, the four bears met each other individually at the Arosa Bear Sanctuary. This gave them a chance to get to know each other and to establish the hierarchy typical for bears. The reunions of males and females worked out well, so now the same-sex socialisations are still to come.

Today it was the turn of the males with an exciting starting position: both animals are pretty much the same weight and so the ranking was not at all predictable. While Meimo was already in the outdoor enclosure, Sam slowly ventured outside. After a mutual assessment from a distance of about 30 metres, Sam first disappeared back into the familiar indoor enclosure. Meimo followed his fellow but was chased away again by Sam's imposing roar. Meimo accepted this and relaxed and continued his search for food. But for Sam, the matter was not over yet. After about 20 minutes, the newcomer dared to go outside again and followed Meimo's tracks. The two male bears kept their distance for a long time until it came to a closer encounter. Sam and Meimo impressed each other and made each other look big, but there was no typical bear fight. It seems that Sam prevailed in this situation. The two male bears then retreated to their familiar resting places and continued to forage for food. Although it is currently assumed that Sam has the upper hand, the experts at Arosa Bärenland are convinced that the ranking has not yet been finally decided. So it remains exciting in the Arosa Bear Sanctuary.

After the successful socialisation, nothing stands in the way of a regulated and relaxed life together in the outdoor enclosure.