Caring for our sanctuary animals means we spend a lot of time observing their behavior. In doing so, we get to know them intimately. We experience their personalities and view them as individuals. They aren’t just a bear or just a wolf. They are Tanaka, who happens to be a wolf, and Tahi, who happens to be a mountain lion. Their behavior and mannerisms tell us if they are happy, sad, nervous, upset, unwell, or injured. And, much like humans, their behavior and personalities can change as they age.
Ramble Bear has had a drastic change in his personality over the past year. For the first 23 years of his life, he was ornery and a bit rambunctious. He enjoyed rearing up onto his hind legs to startle visitors as they walked by. Because of his behavior, he often didn’t get as many visits from guests as his brother Bramble, Humble Bumble, or Teton Totem did.
But ever since Ramble and Bramble moved into their new bear gardens last year, Ramble has changed. He has softened. Now, any time staff or visitors walk out to the bear gardens, Ramble emerges from his nightyard to greet them. He likes to smell and observe visitors, coming as close as possible to the fencing in an attempt to connect. It’s his way of meeting them; his version of a human handshake. He often follows along the fence line with staff and visitors. He swipes his paw on the ground in a clear statement that he wants more attention. He has become sweet, almost charming, and he wants to engage with visitors. One of our local regular visitors couldn’t get over the change. She was shocked. “He’s the one who didn’t care for visitors?!”
Don’t get me wrong, Ramble still likes to be a little ornery, but it doesn’t compare to how he used to be. He also enjoys mirroring his brother Bramble now. If Bramble is in a seated position, Ramble will often sit similarly across the aisle. If Bramble stands up, Ramble will do the same. If Bramble is laying in his hammock with a hind leg in the air, Ramble will get into his hammock and mimic him.
I can’t help but reflect on the reason for this remarkable change. Is it because Ramble feels safer in his new gardens? Is it the additional new space, complete with his own pond, his own trees, and his own den? Or is he simply mellowing out as he gets older?
Regardless of the reason why, we love this new side of Ramble Bear and look forward to his continuing growth.
