Page 19 - Dec24

Wichita meets Takelma and Sama
The cubs now have names: Takelma is the male and Sama is the female. Takelma honors the name of the Native American people who lived in the region of Oregon where rescuers found the cubs. Sama translates to “summer” in the native Takelma language and was chosen for the time of year she was rescued.
Scott Newland, president and CEO of Sedgwick County Zoo, announced their arrival in a news release several weeks after their flight to Wichita.
“We are committed to our mission to inspire respect and conservation for wildlife around the world,” Newland said in the release. “These cubs are far too young to fend for themselves, and we are happy to provide them with the expert care they need to thrive.”
Zoo visitors were eager to get to know the cubs as soon as they were announced, though it took some time for them to be on public display regularly. They were receiving care behind the scenes and were too small to be left alone in their outdoor habitat that includes a climbing structure, a tree and a pool. By August, they
The cubs in their habitat at Sedgwick County Zoo.
DECEMBER 2024
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 17