Sometimes, life leads us to unexpected moments of tranquility. Such is the case for Sonya, a rescued Syrian brown bear who recently melted hearts with her carefree floating in a pond at the Orphaned Wildlife Center.
Notice how Sonya effortlessly floats with her toes adorably protruding. Truly delightful to behold,
said the nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center located in Otisville, New York.
The two-minute video showcases Sonya enjoying her peaceful moments – floating with just her back paws and head above the water, then swimming to the side to play with a piece of driftwood. It’s a serene scene that invokes a sense of calmness not just for Sonya but also for those watching her.
The Orphaned Wildlife Center aims to provide a safe haven for orphaned animals, preparing them for a life back in the wild whenever possible. However, due to specific circumstances surrounding Sonya’s case, releasing her isn’t an option.
Why Some Bears Cannot Be Released
Sonya, like other Syrian brown bears at the center, arrived from a failed breeding program meant to save the endangered species.
All of the Syrian brown bears came to us from a breeding program that was in place to try to save the species. When that fell through, some of those bears came to us,
explains the center’s website.
A Unique Resident
Since Syrian brown bears are not native to the United States, releasing them into the wild poses significant challenges. Despite this limitation, Sonya seems content and at ease in her surroundings.
Her playful interaction with driftwood and her serene floating underscore how well she has adapted, suggesting that she is finding joy and solace in her new life. The sight of her tranquility contrasts sharply with where she was first found, highlighting how far she has come.
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