In the heart of the Detroit Zoo, a tale of unexpected friendship unfolds as the paths of Jebbie the grizzly and Laerke the polar bear intersect. Originating from vastly different corners of the wild, their lives had been marred by separate yet equally poignant tragedies.
However, a glimmer of hope emerged when the compassionate minds at the zoo orchestrated a daring move – uniting these two solitary souls within a single exhibit. Against a backdrop of uncertainty and palpable anticipation, the remarkable story of Jebbie and Laerke began to unfold, proving that even the most divergent of pasts can forge the strongest bonds of connection.
Meeting Jebbie
Jebbie’s tale begins in the remote reaches of Tok, Alaska, a story etched with curiosity and heartache. In the balmy days of June 2021, the residents of this quaint suburban expanse were stirred by an unexpected visitor – a young grizzly bear wandering amidst their streets.
One might assume his mother’s watchful gaze was close at hand, a reassuring figure in the wilds. However, fate had dealt a different hand. This young cub traversed the urban edges alone, bereft of familial warmth.
Help
As word spread like wildfire, kind-hearted locals rallied, reaching out to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, affectionately known as ADF&G. For this solitary ursine wayfarer, the streets were no place to call home.
The department’s response team swiftly rescued the orphaned cub from his uncertain odyssey. With a blend of care and anticipation, the cub was christened with a name that would symbolize his journey – Jebbie.
Genuine fears
The situation surrounding Jebbie’s well-being was indeed a matter of genuine concern during this juncture. In the natural course of events, bear cubs would bask in their mother’s nurturing presence for approximately three years before venturing on their solitary journey.
Yet, Jebbie’s narrative diverged from this norm. With a tender age that belied his solitary state, worries mounted among the caretakers. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game grappled with the unsettling notion that the young cub’s odds of survival were alarmingly slim if left to navigate the wilds unaided.
Best Shot
In the pursuit of ensuring Jebbie’s best shot at life, the ADF&G found themselves at a crossroads. Recognizing the dire situation and driven by an unwavering commitment to the cub’s welfare, they orchestrated a pivotal decision. The orphaned bear was whisked away from the barren streets of Tok, embarking on a journey towards Anchorage’s Alaska Zoo.
Jebbie was met with a chorus of concerned hearts in this haven’s confines. The zoo’s dedicated staff, driven by expertise and compassion, undertook a thorough medical assessment, tending to his fragile state.
Moving to Detroit
Soon though, Jebbie’s adventure took him from the rugged Alaskan landscapes to the bustling heart of the Detroit Zoo. With a sturdy frame tipping the scales at around 76 pounds, he entered and found himself in a temporary quarantine at the Detroit Zoological Society.
Once he got the all-clear, it was time to explore the Arctic Ring of Life exhibit – but this chapter of his journey wasn’t destined to be a solo one. Amidst the new sights, sounds, and scents, an unexpected companion awaited, ready to share the unfolding story of camaraderie and connection.
Introducing Laerke
Now let’s delve into Laerke’s story. The backdrop shifts to the Arctic Ring of Life, where the young polar bear established her residence when Jebbie’s chapter began. Laerke’s narrative echoed a note similar to the grizzly’s as she endeavored to heal from a sad period.
Unlike Jebbie, who came from the wild, Laerke’s story began at the Detroit Zoo. Born in 2020 to her mother Suka, Laerke was one of two cubs, her sister Astra completing the duo. This special event held a significant place in the heart of the Michigan attraction, highlighting the beautiful connections that thrive within its borders.
Making history
The significance lies in a press release from the facility, stating, “The cubs are the first polar bears to be born and successfully raised at the Detroit Zoo since 2004.” This 16-year gap is quite remarkable. But it wasn’t for lack of effort. Suka gave birth in 2018 and 2019, but sadly, the cubs did not survive for a short time.
The press release from January 2021 further highlighted an intriguing fact: “The births are part of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Polar Bear Species Survival Plan, a cooperative population management and conservation program. There are 56 polar bears in 25 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums.”
Laerke’s time alone
Laerke was remarkably tiny during that phase, tipping the scales at just over a pound. This delicate beginning led her to spend the ensuing weeks in incubation, a temporary separation from her mother and sister.
It was a different form of isolation compared to what Jebbie had experienced in Alaska, but a necessary step for her wellbeing, as her subsequent growth would demonstrate. By January 2021, Laerke had made significant strides, surpassing 11 pounds.
Missing out
The zoo keenly acknowledged this situation, as expressed in the press release, “The rare occurrence of twin polar bears being raised separately — one by the mother and one by humans — means that much will be learned through this experience.
Both cubs are monitored closely, and their developmental milestones [are] tracked.” This unique circumstance tugs at the heartstrings and offers an invaluable opportunity for understanding as both cubs’ journeys unfold.
Laerke’s return
After getting a clean bill of health, Laerke was back in the exhibit – a relief for sure. But there was a problem. Because of her time away, there were severe doubts about her ability to reconnect with her family.
Laerke and Jebbie knew what it felt like to be lonely when they met at the zoo. But could they become friends despite their different backgrounds? They practically grew up in other worlds. Could their differences cause problems?
Plan of action
Let’s focus on when Jebbie entered the exhibit in July 2021. The zookeepers took a deliberate approach, keeping him separate from Laerke. Their strategy was to gradually introduce them, hoping this would improve their odds of forming a friendship. It sounds reasonable.
Since both bears were used to solitude at that point, it was uncertain how they’d respond to each other. Would they reject the idea of social interaction altogether? The zoo staff had a challenging task ahead of them; managing this delicate situation from the sidelines was no small feat.
Coming together
Despite the uncertainty, the zoo workers stuck to their plan, gradually introducing Jebbie and Laerke throughout the summer. As the two bears became more acquainted, a positive atmosphere emerged. At least there were no aggressive showdowns! However, the pivotal question remained: could their relationship progress beyond this initial interaction?
By September 2021, the answer finally materialized. After spending two months together in the exhibit, Jebbie and Laerke evolved from acquaintances to best friends. What a relief! Considering the journeys they had embarked upon, the thought of them not forming a bond would have been genuinely disheartening.
How they bonded
Laerke and Jebbie became regular sights in the Arctic Ring of Life, often seen playfully wrestling and engaging in spirited antics. Their companionship was evident as they practically stuck together like glue, engaging in various shared activities. Their bond was heartwarming, from exuberant swimming sessions to the joy of sharing toys.
As their connection grew more robust, the Detroit Zoological Society members likely felt a sense of immense relief. The reason? The notion of introducing another bear into Laerke’s life had originated from their very own idea. The chief life sciences officer of the Detroit Zoological Society provided insights into this matter during a press release in September 2021.
“We’re thrilled.”
Scott Carter said, “There are no other polar bear cubs we can bring here to live with [Laerke], so we contacted state agencies that frequently must find homes for orphaned grizzly bear cubs. We’re thrilled to give Jebbie sanctuary and provide a much-needed companion for Laerke.”
Carter didn’t stop there. He also focused on an additional positive that came from the bears’ new friendship at the zoo. The chief life sciences officer continued, “This social development is critically important for Laerke and Jebbie.” We think we can say this was a win all around, then.
Taking to Facebook
The Detroit Zoo shared this sentiment, as their official Facebook page featured a video showcasing Jebbie and Laerke in their exhibit. The heartwarming footage captured their camaraderie as they playfully enjoyed the Michigan sunlight, an utterly endearing sight. Accompanying this clip was a narrative that delved into their remarkable journey.
Since then, this social media post has triggered a substantial response across the online community. The video has amassed an impressive 400,000 views and garnered nearly 20,000 likes as of the current moment. Moreover, the post has sparked over 1,000 comments from Facebook users, with many expressing their joy and appreciation for the heartwarming bond that had blossomed between these two bears.
“I love this.”
One social media user wrote, “I love this; what a sweet story. Sad circumstances brought [Jebbie and Laerke] together, but [you’ve done] wonderful work doing the best for them. I hope they will have pleased lives in Detroit, although not the ones nature would have prescribed.” And the kind words kept coming.
Another person gushed, “This is beyond precious! Thank you so much to the people involved in making this happen from day one. I’m unsure, but I hope we’ll watch them grow to adulthood together! It’d be too bad if eventually they’d be separated. And wildlife is the greatest joy!”
The future?
Starting September 23, 2021, Detroit Zoo officially announced that visitors could witness the duo’s heartwarming companionship firsthand within the exhibit. The zoo had firmly committed to allowing them to grow and age together without intending to separate them.
However, the notion of Laerke reuniting with her mother and sister as she matures brings up an equally thought-provoking question. While it’s a natural wish, the press release from the zoo, as articulated by Carter, suggests that keeping them together could be in their best interest. This insight likely tempers expectations about a future family reunion, outlining why such a scenario might not exist.
“Not an option”
Carter said, “Suka is a great mother and very protective of Laerke’s sister, Astra. But it’s clear that she no longer recognizes Laerke as her cub. Returning Laerke to her mother and sister is not an option for us.”
Detroit Zoo also went into more detail about the situation in a comment under the Facebook video. The zoo said, “We hoped we would be able to reunite Laerke with her mother, Suka, and sister Astra. [But] even from a distance, it became obvious that Suka [didn’t] recognize Laerke. After seeing how Suka continuously responded to Laerke, it wasn’t safe to put them together.”
New family
While the absence of a future reunion might be a bit sad, there’s a bright side: Laerke has formed a special bond with her “brother” Jebbie, bridging the gap left by the absence of her mother and sister, Suka and Astra.
Looking ahead, the upcoming years spent observing their interactions in the Arctic Ring of Life promises to be captivating and heartening for all who visit. Their ongoing journey at the Detroit Zoo is a story that continues to unfold, inspiring everyone who witnesses the unique friendship that has bloomed between Laerke and Jebbie.
