Sampson and Cinnamon, two of the last three bears to be moved from the old PAWS sanctuary in Galt to the new BOB BARKER BEAR HABITAT* at ARK 2000, were safely transported in our air-conditioned van just days before our Wines, Tigers and Beers fundraiser on June 18. The trip was without incidents except for indiscreet pooping by Cinnamon, an adorable cinnamon-color-phase black bear with a redhead's fiery personality.

Both bears were transported and unloaded by Ed Stewart, Pat Derby and two long-time PAWS volunteers, Barry Gardner and Tim Aamodt.

The bears remained in their den area overnight, and were released into their spacious wooded habitat early the next morning to explore and forage among the dense brush and huge trees.

Sampson was the first to discover the large pool, and both bears settled into their beautiful new home immediately. Cinnamon, the only female in the habitat, displayed the usual female bear behavior when Winston and Boo-Boo approached the fence line, huffing, shuffling her feet and standing on her two back legs to increase her very diminutive stature.

As the boys respectfully moved away, she swaggered off into the trees quite pleased with her display.

Welcome home Sampson and Cinnamon, and thank you Bob Barker and the DJ&T Foundation!

To view more photos of Cinnamon and Sampson, their move, and the bears' new habitat, click here.

*The Bob Barker Bear Habitat was made possible by a grant from the DJ&T Foundation.