One of the zoo’s black bears undergoes a wellness exam.
“Laurel” and “Libby” are 16-year-old American black bear sisters that arrived at Zoo Miami in 2013 and reside in the Florida: Mission Everglades exhibit.
Laurel weighs approximately 272 pounds and Libby is a bit lighter at approximately 257 pounds. Recently, they were anesthetized and brought to the zoo’s animal hospital so that they could receive their wellness exams. These exams are part of a preventative medicine program designed to detect any health issues prior to them becoming serious. Because wild animals instinctively try to hide any sign of weakness, they often do not display symptoms of illness or disease until it is well advanced.
Each bear received a series of radiographs, an ultrasound exam, dental cleaning, blood and urine collection, rabies vaccines, and an eye exam, as well as an overall body assessment. All the procedures were directed by Zoo Miami’s Animal Health team with assistance from the Animal Science team.
In addition to being a bit overweight, Laurel’s radiographs revealed advanced spinal arthritis. Libby also had a small growth on her tongue which was removed for biopsy. Both bears showed some signs of age-related mild dental disease. All other indications are that they are generally in good condition for their age and have since returned to their habitats where they appear to have made a full recovery from the procedures.
American black bears are the most common bear found in North America. They are generally found in a variety of forest habitats from Canada into Mexico. Though they can weigh between 200 and 500 pounds, Florida black bears tend to be on the lighter side.
They are excellent tree climbers and opportunistic feeders with a diet that consists of a wide variety of foods ranging from berries and grasses to invertebrates, birds, fish and small mammals. Though their name suggests that they are all black, there are various color phases that include cinnamon, brown, blonde and rarely, white.
Zoo Miami, located at 12400 SW 152 St., is an award-winning Miami-Dade County park, continuously accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for more than 35 years.
Phone 305-251-0400 or visit www.zoomiami.org.
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