Рет қаралды 15,657
It is hard to believe that this handsome boy has been a part of our family here at Noah’s Ark for 20 years. Baloo came to us as a cub in 2001 along with his brothers, Leo the Lion, and Shere Kahn the tiger. The arrival of the bear, lion and tiger cubs - lovingly known as the BLT - forever changed us here at Noah’s Ark. Their unlikely bond and friendship taught us so much about the true meaning of unconditional love, acceptance, difference, and getting along.
The BLT came to Noah's Ark after they were discovered by Law Enforcement officers in a basement of an Atlanta home during a drug raid. Only a few months old, all three cubs were frightened, malnourished, and infected with parasites when the Georgia Department of Natural Resources brought them to us. Baloo was in the worst condition of the three cubs rescued with a severely ingrown harness digging into his flesh because it was never loosened as he grew in size. Surgical intervention was required to remove the harness and clean his deep, infected wounds.
Baloo and his brothers recovered from their injuries and lived happily together for 15 years. Despite being natural enemies in the wild, these three boys never knew they were different from one another and lived in harmony, sharing their habitat, clubhouse, and meals together each and every day. Their bond was unlike anything I have ever seen in the animal kingdom before, and we were blessed to provide them with a loving home for so many years.
Baloo is the sole surviving member of the BLT. He is happy and healthy, and still loves to eat! His favorite foods are hazelnuts and tangerines. In his younger years, he loved his daily mini-dumb-dumb lollipop which my mother gave him each afternoon. Our big guy still has a sweet tooth and every once in a while he gets a marshmallow or two as a special treat.
In his 20 years here at Noah’s Ark his keepers and I have never seen him angry or in a bad mood. He is one of the most kind, loving and fun-spirited animals we have ever known. We love our gentle giant, Baloo.
Happy Birthday, Baloo!