Tasha by Jim Stroner
Director Scott Edgett described the loss well in his announcement of Tasha’s situation on the Bear Center’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/reel/4688522831380764 . It was amazing that one young bear brought so much happiness and joy to so many people, who in turn expressed their sadness and love for Tasha in the hundreds of comments following Scott’s video announcement that shared some of the many details about Tasha’s life and personality that made her so special.
 Tasha by Jim Stroner |
 Tasha by Heidi Pinkerton |
Tasha by Stroner
Here is an example:
"Very sad news today. Tasha Bear, the youngest of the adult bears at the North American Bear Center, passed away this morning. She was a sweet angel and a little comedienne, prone to lounging in her tub during public tours. She also had a special friendship with the ravens that frequent NABC. They would gather around her enclosure and commune with her. I’m sure they helped fly her gentle spirit to heaven. She was only 11 and is gone far too soon. Now she is an angel in heaven with Ted Bear and Honey Bear."
Tasha and Holly play - by Stroner
Another quote was:
“Tasha's story is a beautiful reminder of what can come from giving an animal a second chance at life. Surrounded by compassion and care at the North American Bear Center, she became a wonderful ambassador for her species. Through her curious nature and endearing antics, she gave thousands of visitors the opportunity to observe, appreciate, and better understand the lives of black bears. Tasha was surrounded by a devoted and knowledgeable staff whose commitment to the care and well-being of the bears has always been remarkable. I can't imagine them in better hands.”
Tasha and Holly by StronerThere were so many wonderful comments. I wish I could have quoted them all.
For the public, WELY radio said:
"Our hearts are with the North American Bear Center family following the passing of Tasha. 💙🐻💙 Tasha touched the hearts of so many people, both near and far, and brought joy to everyone who had the opportunity to know her story. We send our deepest thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt support to the Bear Center staff, volunteers, and everyone who loved and cared for her. Thank you for sharing Tasha with our community and allowing so many of us to be part of her journey. She will be dearly missed.”
Tasha by PinkertonOn another topic, a veterinarian commented:
“Sorry to hear about Tasha. I am a veterinarian with 41 plus years of experience. With the diagnosis of Liver disease and possibly cancer, you absolutely did the correct thing with letting Tasha go. My thoughts are with you at this time.”
Tasha - by StronerTasha’s history of educating began in the mountains of southern Kentucky on July 13, 2015, when a man found her trying to nurse on her dead mother who had been killed by a truck. The man did his very best to care for her on his property, letting her come and go as she wanted. Tasha, as he named her, mostly stayed on his property for a year remaining near him and playing with his dog. A year later, state officials removed Tasha from the man’s property because he didn’t have the proper permits. When we learned about her situation, we happily provided her with a forever home at the North American Bear Center where she arrived on June 6, 2016, weighing a healthy 97 pounds. She quickly adapted to life in the north and became the favorite we miss today.
Tasha by StronerToday, we have Lucky who is nearly 20 years old, Holly who is nearly 13 years old, and two cubs that will be a year old in January. Although each has his or her own way of behaving, we will always miss Tasha who has stolen so many people’s hearts in so many ways.
Thank you all for all you do,
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center