2 Sick Bear Cubs Make Full Recovery After Being Found Near Their Dead Mother

In a heartwarming twist, two orphaned bear cubs have started a new chapter in their lives at Flamingo Gardens, a wildlife sanctuary in Davie, Florida. Named Bentley and Treena, the 14-month-old cubs were rescued from northwestern Georgia after they were discovered in dire circumstances following the tragic death of their mother.

The story of Bentley and Treena profoundly highlights the importance of wildlife conservation. According to Michael Ruggeri, the director of wildlife at Flamingo Gardens, the cubs were found in poor health, heavily dependent on their deceased mother. “The cubs were just seven weeks old when their mother was shot,” Ruggeri explained. Their plight was soon known to local residents, who took it upon themselves to capture the orphaned siblings safely.

After nearly two weeks of intensive efforts that included setting traps and providing food, the cubs were finally rescued. Their condition upon arrival at a Georgia facility was alarming; both required immediate medical attention, including antibiotics and fluids. Named after the Bent Tree housing development in the area where they were found, Bentley and Treena were fortunate to receive the care they desperately needed.

However, the journey for these cubs was far from over. State laws in Georgia prohibit the release of captive bears back into the wild, meaning Bentley and Treena needed a permanent sanctuary where they could thrive. Luckily, their caretakers managed to find a new haven in Flamingo Gardens, which agreed to take them in. “The cubs are loving their new exhibit,” Ruggeri shared, detailing how they have adjusted remarkably well since their arrival in early June.

Since settling into Flamingo Gardens, the duo has brought a refreshing energy to the facility. “They haven’t lost their winter coats yet, so they still have that long reddish hair,” Ruggeri noted. The bear cubs are known for their playful and mischievous nature, described by Laura Wyatt, the curator of wildlife at the gardens, as reminiscent of “8th graders who can’t get in trouble,” capturing the attention and affection of both the staff and visitors alike.

The sanctuary was previously home to another bear named Josh, who passed away in 2025. Wyatt noted that Bentley and Treena’s vibrant personalities were filling the void left by Josh, bringing a sense of excitement and life to the exhibit once more. It is this spirit and charm that is aiding in spreading awareness about the significance of wildlife conservation, as emphasised by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners.

“Bentley and Treena are already stealing hearts while helping share an important message about wildlife conservation,” the BCBCC stated in a recent social media update. This sentiment resonates strongly, as many are drawn to the engaging presence of these young bears, encouraging conversations about the challenges faced by wildlife in their natural habitats.

The cubs’ future appears bright, with expectations that they will grow to match their mother’s substantial weight of approximately 510 pounds. With a dedicated care team and the enriching environment of Flamingo Gardens, Bentley and Treena now have a second chance at life.

Their story serves as a vital reminder of the complexities surrounding wildlife rescue and conservation efforts. It also illustrates the resilience of animals and the importance of providing them with safe, nurturing spaces, such as Flamingo Gardens, where they can flourish and educate the public about conservation issues.

As visitors flock to see Bentley and Treena, these bear cubs represent not just a rescue success, but a rallying point for the protection and appreciation of wildlife across the globe.