Researcher Heidi Keen has taught the grizzly bears different gestures to help her figure out their moods. The bears personalities come out in their gestures, Keen says, and only one bear is left handed.
credit:
Courtney Flatt
Researchers at Washington State University’s Bear Research Center are working to help captive animals better enjoy their environment. Danielle Rivet feeds a bear an apple slice as Heidi Keen monitors the bear's response.
credit:
Courtney Flatt
Grizzly bears explore their pen. Zoo managers say keeping animals psychologically happy is as important as providing them with good veterinary care.
credit:
Courtney Flatt
The bears gobble up their treat, apple slices, as fast as Danielle Rivet can feed them. Each bear eats about 13 apples in five minutes. One benefit to the study is how quickly the bears can complete the tasks.