iMAGiNETHAT!

Munsey and Boda will remain  separated for a few more weeks to allow Munsey’s stitches to heal.  Since the separation of the Kodiak bear cubs, I’ve observed a great deal of vocalization (best described as huffing) between Munsey and Boda.  If Boda would happen to walk to the far end of the bridge, Munsey will huff loudly in Boda’s direction and Boda will return to Munsey’s location.

When the two cubs are separated with a road in-between each habitat area the huffing is frequent and projected more loudly.  Munsey in the foreground and Boda is in the background.  While I’ve been observing the cubs behavior, it appears that the brothers  would sit facing towards each other for an hour or more.  Boda would climb to the top of the stairs and try to find a way to get onto the bridge, to get to his brother, while Munsey would begin digging as close to fencing that’s located in the direction of his brother Boda.

Last night Boda began to dig a trench in the JP Adler Kodiak Bear Exhibit area and this morning Munsey continued to dig in the same area, while Boda was watching him from north side of the Hamus Bear Bridge.  I could hear Boda huffing at Munsey while he was digging a deeper trench. I wondered if Boda was giving Munsey directions from a far.

Since  Munsey’s been feeling under the weather, I must say that Boda has defiantly demonstrated that he’s a very caring and nurturing brother!  Boda has been keeping a close eye on his brother and often spends as much time close to his brother  while Munsey’s  been resting inside.

On Tuesday morning September 5th it was a wonderful surprise to see Munsey outside exploring the JP Adler Kodiak Bear Exhibit.  He sniffed around the entire area and then sat by the south side of the habitat area gazing and vocally huffing  at Boda.   Boda  gazed and huffed responding to Munsey.  The two cubs sat looking at each other and vocalizing with each other for at least the two hours  on tuesday while I was documenting their behavior.

Here are a few photographs of Munsey and Boda playing together a few weeks ago.

At first Boda wasn’t sure what to think about a young zoo guest wearing a bear head costume.   He seemed to enjoy interacting withthe  kid in the bear costume.