This is heartbreaking.
The female Andean bears at the Leipzig Zoo have lost their fur.
The newspapers are enthused to report that people are flocking to the bear cages to witness the bears’ puzzling condition.
The zoo’s willingness to permit the bears to be seen is good in some respects. Most importantly, it means the zoo isn’t covering up the problem, a problem which many (most?) outsiders probably interpret as evidence of a failure on the part of zoo personnel. Perhaps vets from another zoo or wildlife organization will be able to assist in diagnosing and treating the bears.
I can’t help but wonder, though, whether the bears want to be seen. Bears are incredibly intelligent and sensitive animals. They are very likely aware of their condition. Perhaps they could benefit from a little privacy — particularly given that Andean (or Spectacled) Bears are known for their shyness.
Balding female bears at Germany’s Leipzig Zoo are baffling vets working to figure out the condition’s cause— especially since the normally fluffy brown bears should now be growing a thicker coat to keep warm during the winter.
(via)
