In Memoriam: Bennie
Male
Bennie, also male, arrived at the center in 2004. Bennie’s previous ‘owners’ removed Bennie’s claws and canines. This may have made Bennie a cuddlier pet, but it also made him sick and permanently disabled. The resulting infections in his paws and jaw have been healed, but his teeth and claws will never grow back. Despite his severe handicaps he is doing very well, Bennie can still climb trees, open coconuts and look for food in the enclosure, although maybe not as actively as the other bears.
Profile
About
Sex
Male
Appearance
Bennie is a chubby bear with a wrinkly forehead that gives him a worried look. What is most noticeable about Bennie, though, is that he has no claws or canine teeth.
Background
Pet owners are frequently dismayed when cubs grow into adults. Removing Bennie’s claws and canines may have made him a cuddlier pet, but it also made him sick and permanently disabled. The resulting infections in his paws and jaw have been healed, but his teeth and claws will never grow back.
Character
Bennie quickly learns special tricks to get around his disability. While some foods are specially prepared for him he has figured out how to handle most things. He opens oranges by rolling and squashing them and drops icy fruit blocks (tasty treats!) onto concrete to bust them open. Bennie is extremely friendly and loves all other bears, especially our new sub adult bear, Bedu. He is the keenest play-wrestler and frequently does not know when to stop!
Hobbies
Playing with Bedu, his new best mate. Eating mangos.