Save Ben the Bear!!

SAVE BEN, the bear!!

New laws regarding exotic animals in Iowa have been passed and Ben has until December 31, 2007!! Ben's owner, Mike Woodvine must have Ben micro-chipped, pay $300 for a yearly exotic animal permit and carry $100,000 in liability insurance before the December deadline.

If he is unable to comply the state of Iowa will kill Ben!!

Bens story....

Ben is a brown bear and at 7 feet tall weighs 500 pounds. He is very gentle and even has cats that sleep with him!!  Many people stop by each week to see him. He is trained to sit, shake, lie down and come when called.  If you extend your hand to him, he will lick it like a dog.  He is truly a beautiful, gentle creature and deserves to live.

Ben lives in Iowa with Mike Woodvine on Highway 44 between Dallas Center and Panora.  Mike rescued him at 3 months old, when his original owner no longer wanted him.  Mike hoped to find an animal sanctuary that would take Ben in and give him a home.  But after 5 years, he has not been able to find anywhere that will take Ben.  As a cub, Ben was declawed by his original owners.  Unfortunately this makes it difficult because he cannot be released into the wild with no way to fend for himself and he cannot be placed with other bears. 

Mike has done an excellent job of caring for Ben by building him a huge cage complete with a big round play area and a giant steel bucket of water for him to climb into to cool off.  There is also a long corridor with a 1,000 gallon tank underground for Ben to hibernate in the winter.  Mike has continually tried to make improvements to Ben's cage.  Ben eats $100 in apples, pears, plums, cucumbers, dog food and many other items per week plus large amounts of water to drink & to keep him cool.  He also constantly needs new toys to keep him happy.  All of this is paid for by Mike with the help of donations that visitors leave for Ben.

Now Mr. Woodvine and Ben have a new problem.  There are new laws regarding exotic animals in Iowa and he has until December 31, 2007 to have Ben micro-chipped, pay $300 for a yearly exotic animal permit and carry $100,000 in liability insurance. If he is unable to comply the state of Iowa will kill Ben and charge Mr. Woodvine.

If you want to save Ben, please sign this petition!!

If you would like to help or have knowledge of sanctuaries, microchip procedures or liability insurance for exotic pets,  Please contact Mr. Woodvine at Woodvine@Iowatelecom.net or 10528 240th Street,  Linden, Iowa 50146

You can also email me at sjconsorti@gmail.com OR Deannadylan1111@aol.com with serious inquiries and legitimate advice.

THANK YOU for your interest!!!!!!!!!!!!