Two female bears at Korkeasaari Zoo in Helsinki have awoken from their winter hibernation due to the sound of a leaking water pipe as the weather warms up.
In Helsinki's Korkeasaari Zoo, two female bears, aged 25 and 20, have been roused from their winter hibernation. The bears initially prepared for a deep slumber in November, but unseasonably warm weather disrupted their rest. As the temperature dropped significantly, the bears settled into their winter den, but a leaking water pipe began to make noise, awakening them prematurely. Fortunately, the den remained dry despite the leak, allowing the bears to continue utilizing it even after being disturbed.
During their hibernation period, zookeepers noticed through a den camera that the bears were frequently getting up to move around, prompting them to provide some light food. The bears were seen peeking outside but consistently returned to sleep, indicating a reluctance to fully abandon their hibernation despite the disturbances. This situation highlights the impact of fluctuating winter temperatures on wildlife behavior, especially in urban settings where such events can occur more frequently.
Moreover, the news underscores the importance of animal welfare in zoos, as the caretakers monitor the bears' activity and health closely. The unpredictable weather patterns of the past two winters have notably influenced hibernation cycles, prompting further observation and understanding of these animals' behaviors in captivity. As climate change continues to affect natural habitats, the implications for wildlife management in zoos and conservation efforts will become increasingly significant.
