Makoon bear cub's release 'callous', says Humane Society

The Winnipeg Humane Society has added its voice to those wanting Makoon the bear cub to be sent to a rehabilitation facility rather than be released into the wild.

Manitoba Conservation has saidthe black bearcould be released to the wild when it reaches a weight of 30 pounds, butHumane Society CEOBill McDonaldsays the cub may not survive.

He says it's cruel the province is consideringa "callous act" for a cub who cannot adequately fend for itself. McDonald wants the province to reconsider.

The Humane Society has learned from bear biology experts that anearly release means Makoon'schance of survivalcould be as aslowasfive per cent.

"It is cruel and unimaginable the province is considering such a callous act," McDonald said.

The best age of release is 17 to 18 months whenthe bear islarge enoughto defend itselffrom predators,McDonald said he was told by bear expert, John Beecham.

Makoon would only be about five months old when he is30 pounds.

"A release at this age means death by starvation or being killed by a predator,"McDonald said.

He is urging the province to take the recommendations of experienced professionals like Beecham and transfer Makoon to a bear rehabilitation centre immediately.

TheHumane Soceity is also requesting the Department of Conservation allow Makoon to be released back into Manitoba when the time is right.

"We have been advised this is possible. The problem seems to be the Department of Conservation is putting up road blocks and seemingly refusing to listen to informed experts," McDonald said.

"It is time we consider what is best for Makoon."

About 40 people rallied outside the zoo on Wednesdayafternoon to voice the sameconcerns about the fate of Makoon.

Makoon attracted headlines after it was rescued by Rene Dubois of St. Malo, Man., in a ditch near the community in March. Dubois said it appeared malnourished and orphaned.

He andhis wife gave it the name, which is Cree for little bear, and nursed it back to health, feedingit milk and formula from a baby bottle, as well as honey and fruit.

Dubois said he contacted a conservation official to take the bear but was told it would be destroyed. So he decided to keepit and find another solution.

He had Makoon fornearly two weeks until Manitoba Conservation seized the cub in early April and placed it atWinnipeg's Assiniboine Park Zoo, where it is currently being rehabilitated by staff.