Costumed Caretakers: San Diego Wildlife Center's Unique Approach to Orphaned Bear Cub

San Diego Wildlife Center's heartwarming initiative: Staff dress as bears to care for orphaned cub. Ramona, California, May 15, 2025 – The San Diego Humane Society Ramona Wildlife Center is gaining international attention for its innovative approach to caring for an orphaned black bear cub. Instead of traditional methods, staff members have taken a unique approach: dressing up in bear costumes and using stuffed toys to interact with the cub. "We're trying to mimic the behaviours a mother bear would naturally provide," explains a wildlife centre spokesperson. "This helps the cub develop essential social skills and prepare it for eventual release back into the wild." The video shows staff playfully 'wrestling' with the cub using teddy bears, providing both physical and emotional stimulation. The centre's dedication to the cub's well-being is evident in their creative and caring approach. This heartwarming story is a testament to the lengths wildlife professionals go to ensure the survival of vulnerable animals.