San Diego Humane Society Celebrates 3rd Birthday Of Black Bear

RAMONA, CA — While the coronavirus pandemic may have stopped some people from celebrating certain life events, it didn't prevent the San Diego Humane Society from throwing a birthday bash for Benji the black bear who turned 3 on Tuesday.

Held at the Ramona Wildlife Center, Benji was surrounded by stuffed and cardboard animals as he tore into a cake made out of fruit and mashed potatoes.

Nina Thompson, a spokeswoman for the San Diego Humane Society, said Benji has been at the center since he was a yearling, which is a young bear between the ages of 1 and 2, and can’t be released back into the wild since he has a neurological condition and a history of approaching people. She added that Benji is also an animal ambassador at the center.

“He serves as an ambassador of his species so we can teach people about our native black bear, how to cohabitate safely and why it is important to not habituate these animals to humans — for our safety and theirs,” Thompson said.

In addition to the cake, caretakers at the center also sang a birthday song to Benji and gifted him with a sign card and presents.