Lynn and Lucky - 2007 Is it true that this is the last date for nearly a century that the day, month, and year (12-12-12) can be the same number? It seems like the update should be special to celebrate. But it’s going to be brief as we continue to gather details, pictures, and videos about Lucky’s beginnings. So for part 2, we are still in Lucky’s first month at the Bear Center.
Lucky plays in cage inside Bear Center - 2007Meanwhile, here are two videos taken by Donna Andrews from Lucky’s first month with us.
The first shows him during his first week at the Bear Center in his kennel cage playing with a head of broccoli http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pInzZUEHXM8.
The 
Lucky and Judy - 2007second shows him coming down his favorite tree, the big white pine, bawling with desire to get to Bear Mother Jean Cumings and her bottle. 
Lucky and Donna - 2007Afterward, Lucky turns playful, as is common after feeding, and frolics around. He plays with a stick as became his habit. He can be seen doing that in other videos as he grows up. The high-pitched whine from Lucky in this video is unlike any other whine we have heard in 45 years. It is his trademark, in a way. We still hear it from him now at 5 years of age. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhPVru7-X2E
Lucky with visitors - 2007We wish we had photos of everyone who helped raise Lucky, giving him bottles, comfort, and play. Sharon Herrell, Donna Andrews, Sharon Johnson, and Judy McClure filled in at times, as did other staff and volunteers like Jean’s son Joel and 2 students Andrew and Nick. 
Lucky on log - 2007Lucky was the center of attention for visitors, especially kids, and Lynn used the microphone to answer questions about Lucky. Jean was the stalwart who did most of the feedings, day and night, but she was happy to share the joy, if for no other reason than to see the looks on their faces (see Donna Andrews and Judy McClure). Another reason for sharing the joy was to let Lucky become familiar with as many people as possible, especially people Lucky might interact with for years to come.
Tomorrow: Play
Thank you for all you do.
—Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center