ZOO TALES
THE NORTH CAROLINA ZOO WELCOMES NEW GRIZZLY Story & Photos by Kristi Johnson Marion BEAR RONAN
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he North Carolina Zoo is excited to welcome its newest resident, a 740-pound male grizzly bear named Ronan. Ronan, age nine, was relocated from the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona, as recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). North Carolina Zookeeper Curtis Malott went out to Reid Park Zoo to meet Ronan and get to know him before assisting with his transfer. Like all new animal arrivals, Ronan spent 30 days in quarantine at the North Carolina Zoo, where he was carefully monitored for any health issues. Following quarantine, Ronan is settling into his new habitat in the North America continent area of the Zoo. Since this past summer, the recently renovated grizzly bear
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habitat has remained empty following the death of Tommo, a beloved grizzly bear who lived at the North Carolina Zoo for 26 years. Ronan has enjoyed exploring his new habitat and has already found a favorite spot in the den area behind the waterfall. His favorite foods include trout, herring, meat, pears, “bear chow,” and of course, honey! Keeper Natalie Johnson is Ronan’s primary trainer and will be working with him on training behaviors to assist in his medical care. From his stay at Reid Park Zoo, Ronan already knows “target” – touching a red buoy target with his nose, “sit,” and presenting his paws. The entire Prairie team of keepers is training Ronan to shift from his outdoor habitat to his indoor
