Turkish bear Malvina meets her fellow bears in Kappeln | > – News

As of: May 1, 2024 6:00 AM

Almost two years ago, the collared bear Malvina moved to the Weidefeld animal protection center. After initial difficulties, she would now have to learn to live with her two male counterparts.

by Isabel Hofmann

The collared bear Serenus excitedly runs back and forth along the fence of his enclosure in the Weidefeld animal protection center in Kappeln (Schleswig-Flensburg district) making clicking sounds. He already knows the ritual. Because he can now get to know the bear woman 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 spreads 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 with meat from dead animals.

Serenus and Balou become new companions in the enclosure

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 night – so far alone. She has been living in the Weidefelder animal shelter for two years and recently woke up from her hibernation. Now she is gradually being socialized with the other two collared bears – the brothers Serenus and Balou. Because in the future the bears must be able to live together. “Balou is more of a bully and with his weight and his boisterous nature he would intimidate Malvina. We have been making sure she feels safe for two years. That’s why we start with Serenus, he is more of an alpha animal and a bit more cautious,” says Patrick Boncourt. He studies the behavior of bears and therefore knows exactly what to expect from the animals.

Rescued from Ukraine

In 2022, Malvina had to be rescued from the war zone in Ukraine. There she lived in a shelter near Kiev after being 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 to Kappeln as a collared bear – the former Bundeswehr site is the only facility in Europe that takes in collared bears.

Touching the “cuddle gate”

Malvina needed time to get used to Weidefeld – until now she only knew her two companions Serenus and Balou from the adjacent fence. But that is now changing. 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 waits longingly. Meanwhile, Malvina prefers to hide behind a bush and seek protection there. At first Serenus only concerns himself with the fruit and slowly makes his way towards Malvina. However, she continues to flee – she only hesitates to approach the bear.

A milestone for Malvina

Patrick Boncourt observes the meeting from outside. “The bear is usually a solitary animal by nature. When socializing, we therefore rely on the spring feeling, 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 it looks more than good. After about 40 minutes, Malvina and Serenus are close to each other 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 was humble. Today was a very, very good start.”

Good opportunities to live together harmoniously

Malvina will also take the next steps in the coming days. “If things continue as harmoniously as before over the next two weeks, we have a very good chance that the bears can establish themselves as a long-term couple,” says Patrick Boncourt, looking ahead. Serenus is lured back to his original home 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.

More information

During the breeding season the animals had fallen from their nest. They were then cared for in the Eekholt Wildlife Park. more

Tarred roads, gravel gardens, robotic mowers and a limited food supply cause problems for the animals. more

Schleswig-Holstein Magazine

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Schleswig-Holstein Magazine | May 1, 2024 | 7:30 PM

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