Sequoia Park Zoo Welcomes New Black Bear, Ishŭng

Press release from the Sequoia Park Zoo:

Early last week, Sequoia Park Zoo quietly welcomed a new American black bear (Ursus americanus) to the Zoo.

New resident at the Sequoia Park Zoo, Ishŭng.

Placed at Sequoia Park Zoo by California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), this adult female will undergo a typical month-long quarantine period before gradually being introduced to the rest of the habitat and the Zoo’s male black bear.

“We are excited to bring another bear to our Zoo family,” says Amanda Auston, Animal Curator. “As with all new animals, we will work hard to ensure a smooth transition for her – and our boy Tule, of course!”

American black bear, Tule, has been thriving at Sequoia Park Zoo since May 2023, when CDFW placed him at Sequoia Park Zoo after determining that he was unsuitable for release to the wild. Every year, state and federal agencies must find placement for a small population of animals, and organizations like the Sequoia Park Zoo play an important role in providing permanent homes and care for these animal ambassadors while educating the public about wildlife and the environment.

The Bear and Coyote habitat at Sequoia Park Zoo opened in 2023 with generous funding from the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria, and we continue to be deeply grateful for their partnership and support. Bear River has chosen the name “Ishŭng” (pronounced “Ee-shung”) for the newest resident of the habitat.

“The word is the action of one eating,” explains Josefina Frank, Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria Council Chairwoman. “In this case, and with the name ‘Ishŭng,’ it means ‘she likes to eat.’”

Ishŭng came to the Zoo at a weight atypical for a bear of her frame, sex, and species, and animal care staff are developing a nutrition and activity plan that will help her reach a healthy weight and body condition.

“She’s a beautiful bear,” reports Jim Campbell-Spickler, Zoo Director. “And seems very sweet. We are happy to be on this journey with her and thankful to California Department of Fish and Wildlife for placing her with us.”

Sequoia Park Zoo has been proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) for over 25 years and is committed to the highest standards of animal wellbeing, conservation, and education. The Zoo currently cares for over 150 individual animals representing more than 50 diverse species, including non-releasable native wildlife like eagles, bears, and owls. We care for these animal ambassadors while encouraging guests to responsibly live alongside wildlife and the environment.

Animal care staff will monitor the health and comfort of Ishŭng while she becomes acclimated to life at the Zoo, and we look forward to providing updates as we get to learn more about her personality and preferences. Observant visitors may be able to catch a glimpse of her during quarantine, and we ask guests to make her feel safe and comfortable by remaining quiet and calm around the habitat.

ABOUT SEQUOIA PARK ZOO

Sequoia Park Zoo has been owned and operated by the City of Eureka since 1907. It is the oldest zoo in California and one of the smallest facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). Sequoia Park Zoo is home to over 150 animals from across 50 species and includes the award-winning Redwood Sky Walk and the tallest urban forest on the planet. Visit redwoodzoo.org and redwoodskywalk.com for more information.

Sequoia Park Zoo inspires conservation of the natural world by instilling wonder, respect, and passion for wildlife.