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Does a bear hibernate in the zoo? Not right now, no


Does a bear hibernate in the zoo? Not right now, no
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The mild autumn and the apparent reluctance of winter to make an appearance has been a talking point for several weeks among humans, but it is also having a distinct impact on the animal population as well.
      Anyone visiting Korkeasaari, Helsinki's island zoo, at this time of year, would normally expect the "Closed for the Season" sign to be up where the bears are concerned, but on Monday Sofia and her two cubs were outside, with the mother-bear - looking a little drowsy - watching as her children wrestled and ran around as though it were September rather than mid-December.
      Apparently Sofia had decided enough was enough last week and had prepared for the big winter sleep, but the cubs had had other ideas, and the staff had been forced to let the animals out once more.
     
The same strange behaviour has been repeated among other animals at the northern zoo. Several creatures from exotic climes have extended the time when they venture outside as a result of the unduly warm weather. Even the kangaroos have been out sniffing the air.
      The flamingoes at Korkeasaari come originally from Chile's Andean areas, and so they are able to cope even in a chilly spell, but they, too, would normally be happier to stay indoors as Christmas approaches. Not this year.
     
Even in Cat Valley, not normally the most exciting of places in December, there has been action for visitors. The big cats were making as much noise last week as if it were March and spring were in the air. Korkeasaari numbers lynx, leopards, and a tiger among its animals.
      The zoo's lions, brought from India, have also taken strolls outside, usually venturing out to try to find a place where the pale winter sun has warmed things up a bit. Most years they would be spending Christmas at home in the warm.
      Even if the animals' rhythm has been upset by the weather, there is one thing they have not seen fit to do. Nobody is shedding their winter coat. The cats, the camels, and the bears, too, have all reached agreement that that would not be a smart move just yet.


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  Korkeasaari is open all year round (10:00-16:00 at this time of year)

Helsingin Sanomat


  19.12.2006 - TODAY
 Does a bear hibernate in the zoo? Not right now, no

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