Makoon bear cub's release 'callous', says Humane Society
The Winnipeg Humane Society has added its voice to those wanting Makoon the bear cub to be sent to a rehabilitation facility rather than be released into the wild.
Manitoba Conservation has said the black bear could be released to the wild when it reaches a weight of 30 pounds, but Humane Society CEO Bill McDonald says the cub may not survive.
He says it's cruel the province is considering a "callous act" for a cub who cannot adequately fend for itself. McDonald wants the province to reconsider.
The Humane Society has learned from bear biology experts that an early release means Makoon's chance of survival could be as as low as five per cent.
"It is cruel and unimaginable the province is considering such a callous act," McDonald said.
The best age of release is 17 to 18 months when the bear is large enough to defend itself from predators, McDonald said he was told by bear expert, John Beecham.
Makoon would only be about five months old when he is 30 pounds.
"A release at this age means death by starvation or being killed by a predator," McDonald said.
He is urging the province to take the recommendations of experienced professionals like Beecham and transfer Makoon to a bear rehabilitation centre immediately.
The Humane Soceity is also requesting the Department of Conservation allow Makoon to be released back into Manitoba when the time is right.
"We have been advised this is possible. The problem seems to be the Department of Conservation is putting up road blocks and seemingly refusing to listen to informed experts," McDonald said.
"It is time we consider what is best for Makoon."
About 40 people rallied outside the zoo on Wednesday afternoon to voice the same concerns about the fate of Makoon.
Makoon attracted headlines after it was rescued by Rene Dubois of St. Malo, Man., in a ditch near the community in March. Dubois said it appeared malnourished and orphaned.
He and his wife gave it the name, which is Cree for little bear, and nursed it back to health, feeding it milk and formula from a baby bottle, as well as honey and fruit.
Dubois said he contacted a conservation official to take the bear but was told it would be destroyed. So he decided to keep it and find another solution.
He had Makoon for nearly two weeks until Manitoba Conservation seized the cub in early April and placed it at Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park Zoo, where it is currently being rehabilitated by staff.