I had the most memorable trip to the ABA sanctuary a couple years ago. The sanctuary was filled with beautiful bears and photo opportunities. Our photo guide, Ernie Page, was very knowledgeable and professional. I'd highly recommend a photo workshop with Ernie and hope to go back in the not too distant future. To se how beautiful the bears were, go to www.chasingthegoldenlight.com and find the Black Bear Gallery!
From the first time I set foot in this Sanctuary I fell in love with these wild bears. I found out they all had their own personalities. It is truly amazing. Many of the bears had been coming to this sanctuary for years and years. I saw mother bears bringing their cubs for the first time all the way to the very old bears that have come for over 20 years. The people who volunteer each year over and over work from sunup to sunset. Some come from different countries, others from college wanting to learn more about wildlife biology.
I volunteered last year for the first time and truly learned more about bears than when I stood behind a camera taking pictures. When you have a bear look up into your eyes it seems you can see into their souls. Even the young who are curious but shy will simply amaze you with their youngster antics, just like a human child.
This sanctuary runs on many hours, days and months of hard work, selfless backbreaking labor , but most of all a unity of people who together love these gentle giants.
This is one of my favorite places to visit. To be able to watch and learn about black bears here is an amazing experience. The volunteers and staff are incredible. I will continue to visit, donate to and support this facility for as long as I am able.
I have visited the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary for many years and volunteered there for the last 4 years. This place is amazing! The amount of people reached over the years through their educational programs and photography sessions is staggering! Dispelling myths, showing bears in their natural habitat (no fences) just being bears, teaching people to love and not fear these beautiful creatures and how to avoid having problems with them. The Sanctuary has struggled through the years with funding for necessary improvements and sometimes just to pay for enough food during hyperfazia. The last years of Covid and other issues have made it very difficult on the staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly to keep the bears feed and the Sanctuary afloat. Any grants or donations would be greatly appreciated and put to good use. Thank you!
I took this photo of a young black bear cub at the ABA's Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary in Orr, Minnesota on May 28, 2016 after delivering over 100 crab-apple seedlings that my Father and I had prepared just 7 months beforehand and just a few months before he passed away. We hoped that one day the two delicious varieties of apples, a blonde and a redhead, would help feed bear and wildlife who visit this unique sanctuary, which is an annual safe haven for hundreds of wild bears who return there year after year.
I highly recommend people visit in the Spring to see these gorgeous cubs running free, climbing trees , clowning around and charming souls.
May 28th was opening day and there were not yet a great number of bears as for many of them the journey is long to get there (also there are less tourists at this time of year). Perhaps a week after opening day would be perfect. I'll return whenever i'm in Minnesota, in season.
Bless the bears,
Cindy Barg