Bear Cub Rescued From Wildfire Recovering In Tampa

TAMPA, FL — The 6-pound black bear cub rescued from a Lake County wildfire last week is recovering at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Named “Smokey Junior” by rescuers, the little bear suffered burns on his face and paws during the April 7 ordeal.

Smokey was taken from Lake County Fire Rescue officials by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission following his rescue. That rescue made headlines across the state as a search for the little cub’s mother also kicked off with FWC promising the little guy would go to a care facility for rehabilitation in the meantime.

That facility, as it turns out, was Lowry Park Zoo. The furry celebrity arrived in Tampa on Sunday, zoo officials confirmed Tuesday.

See Also:

• Real Life Smokey Bear (Cub) Rescued By Firefighters
• Clouded Leopard Cubs Set For Lowry Park Zoo Debut

While in Tampa, Smokey Junior will receive care and nutrition in accordance with FWC protocols while a search for his mother continues, zoo officials said. Since the ultimate goal is to return the little bear to the wild, he will not be on display nor will much interaction with humans be allowed.

Estimated to be about 9 weeks old, Smokey Junior is doing well, the zoo reported Tuesday.

“The cub has mild singeing of the hair, but otherwise appears healthy and strong,” an email from the zoo said. “He is currently housed in the Zoo’s new veterinary hospital (outdoor holding area) where he will be closely monitored by the Zoo’s veterinary team with minimal interaction to reduce the likelihood of imprinting or habituation.”

While not on public display, Smokey will remain at the zoo until he is about 10 to 15 pounds in weight. After that, he’ll be transferred to another facility before his ultimate release back into the wild later this year.

Zoo spokeswoman Rachel Nelson says Smokey Junior is “alert but very timid, which is encouraging for his hopeful reintroduction.”

Zoo visitors may not be able to see Smokey Junior in person, but Lowry Park has another pair of celebrities ready to make their debut. A pair of clouded leopard cubs born at the zoo in February are set to go on display this week.

To find out more about Lowry Park Zoo, visit it online.

Photo courtesy of Lowry Park Zoo