Portland, United States - July 09, 2024

As temperatures soar this summer, Timber and Thorn, the newest residents of Oregon Zoo's Black Bear Ridge, have found a refreshing solution to stay cool. The bear cubs, rescued separately in Alaska when they were too young to fend for themselves, have been spotted lounging in a 300-gallon tub filled with cool water, lovingly maintained by their caregivers.

Jen Osburn Eliot, overseeing the zoo's Great Northwest area, emphasized the importance of ensuring comfort for all during hot weather, whether human or animal. "We prioritize hydration and access to cool spaces for everyone — our visitors, staff, and of course, all the animals under our care," she noted.

Both cubs, named in homage to their forest origins and Portland's soccer teams, the Timbers and Thorns, arrived at Oregon Zoo in December 2023 after receiving care at Alaska Zoo in Anchorage. Their journey from rescue to sanctuary underscores the zoo's commitment to wildlife conservation and welfare.