It’s time to look back on 2024! Check our blog between Christmas and New Year’s for a variety of stories and memories of 2024 from the staff and volunteers of the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
As a new rehabilitator at WCV, one of my most memorable experiences of the year was, without a doubt, working with my first bear. While getting to know all seven of our bears has been deeply rewarding, I will always hold a special place in my heart for Double Green—affectionately nicknamed “OG” by our team.
Before meeting Double Green, I had read about the extensive care bear cubs require, but I never fully appreciated just how much he would come to see me—and the rest of the team—as a surrogate mother. From the very first time I met him, offering him a 30 cc syringe of warm milk and engaging in "cub play," I was completely captivated.
Watching Double Green grow has been an incredible journey. Initially an attention-seeking cub, he has since evolved into a large and independent young bear. As he interacted more with the other cubs, his personality began to shine. I got to witness him learn how to play and climb alongside Double Orange, one of our other bear cubs, while also navigating the complexities of bear social cues.
Despite having plenty of food, Double Green was the first bear to understand the importance of defending his meals. He quickly became the “teacher” to the other bears, showing them how to guard their most prized food—in his case, grape bunches.
Overall, working with Double Green, Double Orange, and the other bears has been an invaluable learning experience. While I look forward to working with many more bears in the future, Double Green will always hold a special place as my first bear, and I will never forget him.
– Kavya Parsa, Wildlife Rehabilitator