Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo has welcomed two female brown bears, Ash and Lexi, after a nearly five-decade hiatus. The aunt-and-niece duo, who have been mistaken for sisters due to their close bond, recently arrived from Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin.
The 25-year-old bears were taken from the wild as cubs but were deemed "unreleasable" by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks officials after they began raiding trash cans and relying on human food. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the crucial role accredited zoos play in providing care to rescued animals that cannot survive in the wild.
According to zoo curator Cassy Kutilek, Ash and Lexi's arrival marks an exciting new chapter for Lincoln Park Zoo. The bears' unique personalities are expected to captivate visitors, particularly their close relationship and playful dynamic. Ash is reportedly more food-motivated, while Lexi has been described as braver and more eager to try new things.
As the bears prepare for their winter torpor – a natural process similar to hibernation – zoo officials are emphasizing the importance of this season for bears. With slower heart rates, metabolism, and breathing, Ash and Lexi will undergo a period of reduced activity, but they can rest assured that their dietary needs will be met at the zoo.
The arrival of Ash and Lexi marks a significant milestone for Lincoln Park Zoo, which has not welcomed brown bears since 1979. With their unique bond and playful nature, the aunt-and-niece duo is set to become instant fan favorites at the zoo.
The 25-year-old bears were taken from the wild as cubs but were deemed "unreleasable" by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks officials after they began raiding trash cans and relying on human food. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the crucial role accredited zoos play in providing care to rescued animals that cannot survive in the wild.
According to zoo curator Cassy Kutilek, Ash and Lexi's arrival marks an exciting new chapter for Lincoln Park Zoo. The bears' unique personalities are expected to captivate visitors, particularly their close relationship and playful dynamic. Ash is reportedly more food-motivated, while Lexi has been described as braver and more eager to try new things.
As the bears prepare for their winter torpor – a natural process similar to hibernation – zoo officials are emphasizing the importance of this season for bears. With slower heart rates, metabolism, and breathing, Ash and Lexi will undergo a period of reduced activity, but they can rest assured that their dietary needs will be met at the zoo.
The arrival of Ash and Lexi marks a significant milestone for Lincoln Park Zoo, which has not welcomed brown bears since 1979. With their unique bond and playful nature, the aunt-and-niece duo is set to become instant fan favorites at the zoo.
those two are like a dynamic duo, who needs a hollywood when u got bears doin tricks 4 food & being all cute & adorable on cam 
I'm literally so stoked for Ash & Lexi 
! Like, can you even imagine having a sister who's also a bear? 
, while Lexi is all about trying new things 
! And their bond is just everything 
. I'm totally here for this new chapter in Lincoln Park Zoo's history 
. it makes me wonder about the importance of community & connection in our lives... do we need people outside our immediate family to feel a sense of belonging? 
& zoos play such a vital role in rescuing animals & giving them a second chance... it's truly heartwarming to see!
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i mean, i guess it's cool that they're getting to rest and eat at the zoo during winter, but come on, let's not pretend like this is some kind of sanctuary...
"The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness." Just imagine those two adorable brown bears living together in harmony, reminding us that even in the wild, family bonds can be truly magical 
and Lexi is the adventurous one always trying new things 
. And can we talk about their winter torpor prep? Like, I'm learning a lot from these bears - slow down and rest when you need to, right? 
. cant wait to see them play & get spoiled by the zookeepers 
! winter torpor is coming soon so fingers crossed their living situation stays stable 
. It's striking how their story highlights the challenges of reintegrating wildlife back into the wild, only to be deemed "unreleasable" due to behavioral issues - a poignant reminder of the importance of accredited zoos providing specialized care for these animals 
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. It's awesome that they'll have a safe space to rest during winter torpor, and I hope Ash and Lexi become superstars at Lincoln Park Zoo 
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. It's not always easy to care for rescued animals, but these bears are going to thrive here. Fingers crossed for Ash and Lexi as they settle in and prepare for their winter torpor 
this bond is everything. and wow, these girls have been through so much already - from being taken from the wild as cubs to being deemed unreleasable in montana 
I'm low-key obsessed with these bear sisters already! Like, I get why they're considered "unreleasable" – raiding trash cans and all that's not cute. But at the same time, can you imagine having a sister who's braver than you? Lexi sounds like the ultimate wild child 
It's wild that they were mistaken for sisters because of how close they are - it just goes to show how smart animals are and how much personality they have. 
Ash and Lexi are literally going to be the stars of the zoo now, and I'm low-key excited to see their personalities shine through! 
It raises questions about our responsibility as caregivers to the environment. Are zoos more of a safety net or a Band-Aid solution? 
We need to be having this conversation about the ethics of animal importation and whether it's truly in the best interest of these amazing creatures.
and Lexi is a total adventure-seeker 
. Winter is coming, but with all the food and comfy beds, they'll be snoozing like pros 
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. Gives me hope for zoos, reminding us they play a vital role in giving rescued animals a second chance at life