CHENNAI: Ever seen those cartoons on TV where bears steal honey jars and relish their content? If you head to Arignar Anna Zoological Park anytime in the near future, you might get a glimpse of bears fulfilling their appetite for honey. In an attempt to induce physical activity among the sloth bear cubs, the Zoo authorities have now provided their enclosures with artificial honey combs. According to zoo director KSSVP Reddy, bears have a tendency to consume honey in the wild, which serves as an important component of their diet. This helps them stay energised and active. However, in captivity, lack of this important component could result in lethargy among the bears. “It could result in complications such as obesity and other health issues,” he says. The honey is filled in earthen pots hung on trees. It then drips through the holes made in the pot which the bears consume. Reddy says this is part of behavioural management that is usually called “reinforcement training,” where certain traits are reinforced in the animals by providing incentives. Small burrows are also made in their enclosures to introduce rats. “Bear cubs love chasing these rats around and this serves as a great physical activity,” he says, adding ladders and certain other playthings have also been provided. The authorities said that the honey drips have now been provided only for the sloth bears and not for the black and Himalayan bears currently with the Zoo. Visitors could view the bears relishing the honey between 12pm and 1pm on all working days.
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