Knoxville Zoo has a new bear Monty!
This Baby Bear’s story begins in July 19th 2012 in Montgomery County Virginia. Animal control officers became the custodians of a bear cub that was found with a group of dogs and wearing a dog collar. The young male estimated to be about six months old at the time showed signs that he was human habituated which meant that he lost his fear of people. He was taken to the Wildlife Center of Virginia. After a thorough examination, he was determined to be slightly overweight, but otherwise healthy.
After spending several weeks at the WCV, he gained the nickname “Monty”. This youngster came to Knoxville Zoo in September 2012. He was 10 months old and weighing in at 100 pound when he first relocated. He is settling into his new home at The Lucille S. Thompson Family Foundation Black Bear Falls. His first explorations of his new outdoor habitat have been enthusiastic and he is being introduced slowly to the zoo’s three other bears Otis, Alvin and Ursula.
The Knoxville Zoo had asked the public for help choosing a name for the year old bear cub. Although initially the options of “Monty” for Montgomery County, VA and “Knox” for his new home were offered as potential names for the cub, interest from local Knoxvillians resulted in the name “Butch” in honor of the newly appointed U.T. Head football coach Butch Johns being added as one of the voting options. In order to vote for the name, the zoo accepted donations. Each dollar counted as a vote for the name during the online contest. The name “Monty” was the first to reach the $2,000 goal by a matter of minutes after a round of spirited voting, with only $4 separating the two names in fundraising votes. Monty raised $2,113 Butch raised $2,117 and Knox raised $278 for a total of $4,508 which will go directly to support the four North American black bears at the Knoxville Zoo’s Black Bear Falls.
We hope to have lots of updates about Monty. The Post is currently working with the bears trainers to be able to see him in is his outdoor habitat. But, working on a bears schedule is nothing close to a 9-5. Because he is still in the stage of being introduced to the other bears, he can only go into the outside habitat when the other bears come in. As soon as he is able to transition outside, we will be there getting current photos and keeping you up to date with his status.
There is a lot going on at the Zoo this month. Bring your outdated phonebook to recycle and get Buy One, Get one free on zoo admission -also zoo admission is half price right now. This is part of the recycling initiative to keep Knoxville beautiful. The phonebook drop off is available through January 31, 2013. That means that you can get two admissions for $10!
Penguin Discount Days now though, February 28, 2013 -this offer is half-price admission. Upcoming events of interest include Covenant Health Kids Run Kick Off on Saturday, February 2, 2013. The events begin at 10 am – noon Day of Event Registration, 11:30-12:30 Start for Pre Registered Participants. 12:30 Start for Day of Event Registered Participants. Kids 8th grade and under are invited. Run or walk a fun mile at the zoo while taking on the challenge to complete a full 26.2 mile marathon over the next two months. Each child receives a log book for those who want to complete a full marathon by running or walking a total of 25 miles between now and the official Covenant Kids Run on April 6th and kids can cross the finish line over the 50 yard line in Neyland Stadium.
They are also hosting the Kritter Kids program which is designed for preschoolers. The program is an hour and half long and programs are hosted on the 15th, 22nd and 29th from 9:30 until 11. The price is $20.00 for one participant and one adult. Zoo members get a $5 discount. To sign up call 865-637-5331 Check out our Community calendar to keep up to date with events and follow Knoxville Zoo on Facebook.
