SANFORD, Fla. — A new habitat at a zoo in Sanford will give visitors an up-close look at black bears and—zoo officials hope—a new view on the animals’ behavior.
The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens’ new habitat features two black bears and instructions throughout the “bear house” that will help visitors learn about how to keep food sources away from bears.
The goal is to make the public aware that it’s important that the animals don’t become too acclimated to humans.
[ Photos: Black bear habitat at Sanford zoo ]
“The goal and the focus of this habitat has always been to educate Florida residents and people who visit Central Florida about living and existing with Florida’s wildlife,” said spokesperson, Stephannie Kettle. “As you enter the house, you’re going to learn about how closing our garage doors, making sure bird feeders and pet food are not left out and our grills are clean.”
The features in the home, which will teach people how to properly prevent black bear encounters, are interactive.
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The two bears in the habitat were taken in because they were too friendly with humans.
"We have provided a home for these bears in the hopes of educating everybody about how to live with Florida's wildlife and how to make sure that what happened to these bears does not happen to other bears," said Stephanie Williams, the director of education at Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
The habitat will open to the public Aug. 1.
It was funded by state and county governments, and community donations.
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