It was a sad day. Like a funeral. Lots of people we hadn't seen in a while (Conrad, Steve, Doug...). We had to dart the bears, then carry them out while they were asleep. Like they were dead. We had a little reception in the bunkhouse, with a good-bye cake. Abigail, our baby and I took Sadie in the back of our truck, followed by the flatbed truck with Haines and Kenai, then the vet, then the media. Just like a funeral procession. We cried when they got on the FedEx plane and wished them well in their new home. They were good bears. Good friends. For two years we saw them morning, noon and night. Now the pen is empty and quiet. No wrestling. No playing with their toes. No peeking out from the cabin or swimming in the pond. We will miss them but they will have a good home.

Kelly Miller
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Farewell Dear Friends

It’s time to say our good-byes
To dear Sadie, Haines and Kenai

Three bears that touched all our hearts
They took playtime and made it an art

They made us laugh at the things they were doin’
We watched while they were just being bruins

While they wrestled, roared, romped and raced
They put a smile on everyone’s face

Where they’re heading they haven’t a clue
Their new home – The Minnesota Zoo

They’ll leave many sad eyes in their wake
As they journey to the land of 10,000 lakes

Once they’re settled some of us should stop in
I bet they’d acknowledge with a wink or a grin

For though they’re off to the lower forty-eight
We know Alaska is forever their State!

Thanks for the memories!
~ The Staff at AWCC