Great news for a bear named Ricky! After spending 16 miserable years in an
undersized chain-link and concrete cage at a Pennsylvania ice-cream shop, Ricky
now resides at the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado. Her release comes as part
of a settlement reached between ALDF and Ricky's former owner. You can watch her rescue video here:
In December 2014, ALDF filed a lawsuit on behalf of concerned Pennsylvania residents against Jim Mack's Ice Cream for displaying Ricky in inhumane and dangerous conditions. The lawsuit accused Ricky's owner, James H. McDaniel, Jr., of violating state regulations that require humane care for wild animals.
The conditions Ricky were kept in were anything but humane -- for years she lived in a pathetically small cage, without any enrichment, and was fed dried dog food by visitors. Veterinarians confirmed that Ricky suffered high levels of stress and anxiety on top of an inadequate diet and substandard housing. Dr. Ursula Bechert, DVM, observed Ricky and noted that a "slow and torturous decline in physical and mental health" was inevitable for Ricky if she wasn't moved to a sanctuary.
Watch the video of Ricky's rescue and share it on social media!
In December 2014, ALDF filed a lawsuit on behalf of concerned Pennsylvania residents against Jim Mack's Ice Cream for displaying Ricky in inhumane and dangerous conditions. The lawsuit accused Ricky's owner, James H. McDaniel, Jr., of violating state regulations that require humane care for wild animals.
The conditions Ricky were kept in were anything but humane -- for years she lived in a pathetically small cage, without any enrichment, and was fed dried dog food by visitors. Veterinarians confirmed that Ricky suffered high levels of stress and anxiety on top of an inadequate diet and substandard housing. Dr. Ursula Bechert, DVM, observed Ricky and noted that a "slow and torturous decline in physical and mental health" was inevitable for Ricky if she wasn't moved to a sanctuary.
Watch the video of Ricky's rescue and share it on social media!
