Extraordinarily in poor health and affected by life-threatening well being points, the bear cub is now present process rehabilitation efforts at Oakland Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital
Oakland, CA – November 14, 2022…An orphaned black bear cub, estimated to be eight months previous and weighing 28 kilos, was delivered to Oakland Zoo final Friday night time by wildlife biologists from the California Division of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). The cub could be very sick and affected by a number of well being points, together with a extreme pores and skin an infection that has induced excessive hair loss, pneumonia, a viral an infection, inner parasites, and a deeply contaminated bone in his left entrance foot, inflicting lameness in strolling.
The cub was given the identify ‘Nixon’ by the involved residents who reported him wandering right into a retail store known as Nixon in South Lake Tahoe final week.
CDFW obtained the bear cub from Bear League in Lake Tahoe, after the group posted an replace in regards to the bear to locals on their Fb web page. CDFW performed a veterinary evaluation remedy, carried out preliminary examinations, and contacted Oakland Zoo for additional care and hopeful rehabilitation on the Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital.
“It’s contact and go proper now. This cub is a tricky little man; regardless of his bodily state, he’s consuming nicely and is in good spirits. We’re placing our greatest efforts into working towards next-level medication on him, and hope we are able to save his life,” mentioned Dr. Alex Herman, Head of Veterinary Companies at Oakland Zoo.
‘Nixon’ has been receiving remedy on the Oakland Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital since his arrival, and this morning underwent an in depth medical examination by the Zoo’s veterinary group. Bloodwork was despatched to a number of labs, x-rays, an ultrasound, dermatology evaluation, dental examination, and extra had been additionally accomplished through the hours-long medical process. Presently, his prognosis is extraordinarily guarded, however hopeful.
“Though this cub has severe medical points, the Oakland Zoo group is extremely succesful and graciously agreed to additional consider this cub and supply the very best care potential. CDFW and the zoo will work collectively to find out the very best plan of action for the cub and to maintain the general public up to date,” mentioned CDFW Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Brandon Munk.
‘Nixon’ is being administered antibiotics, antifungals, and particular baths to deal with his contaminated pores and skin. As a consequence of his lack of fur, he is being stored heat by warmth lamps on the veterinary hospital and being fed a particular food regimen of ‘bear chow’* soaked in components, numerous produce, and browse. Oakland Zoo’s veterinary group will proceed to observe him each day and alter his remedy as wanted. The first concern is the contaminated bone in his foot and his extreme pneumonia. If he recovers, he is not going to be releasable again into the wild on account of being orphaned at such a younger age and being unable to learn to survive within the wild from his mom.
For extra info on Oakland Zoo’s Animal Welfare and Conservation work, go to their web site right here.
*‘Bear chow’ is a nutrient-based kibble that offers vitamins bears must develop to a wholesome weight.