CRESTVIEW — Albert the black bear danced back and forth Tuesday morning in his new enclosure.
The large bear is the first animal at the Sasquatch Zoo to get a new home from the zoo’s new owner, Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge.
The 500-pound, 27-year-old bear took its first steps on grass Friday night when it was introduced into the enclosure. Amanda Williams, director of the refuge, said he seems to be adapting quickly.
“He was in a small, concrete enclosure before this that just met the requirements,” Williams said. “He could barely move. When he got into his new enclosure he only took a few steps at first, but it didn’t take long before he became Speedy Gonzalez. He loves it.”
Albert’s new home has a pool, two decks and a sleep shelter.
Watch a video of Albert enjoying his new home. >>
See a photo gallery of Albert and his new home. >>
He has been at the zoo for 23 years. Before that he performed in a circus for four years.
Susan Leveille, education director with the refuge, said Albert suffers from arthritis, so the large grassy space will keep him comfortable and happy.
“We’ve given him the most comfortable habitat he can have,” Leveille said. “It’s such a difference from where he was before.”
The refuge took over the zoo in January and has been renovating it before it opens to the public. Williams said she hope to open it Memorial Day weekend.
The zoo, which houses more than 100 animals, will be the home of the refuge’s animal ambassadors when the enclosures are finished.
The refuge plans educate visitors about the animals at the zoo and give them a chance to see animals they wouldn’t otherwise see.
Williams said the next steps will be to renovate the gift shop and snack area and begin building enclosures for coyote and otter exhibits.
“It’s going to be a slow process,” she said. “If we did all the renovations at one time it would cost around $500,000, so we’re going through one enclosure at a time. Our hope is to eventually have a new enclosure for every animal here.”