Nikki

Meaning behind her name: She was one of the few that is still around from when we used to name bears after interns, staff and volunteers. She was named after a volunteer. We no longer name bears after people to avoid anthropomorphizing them.

Born: 1999

Sex: Female

Color: Black

Identifying markers: Golden muzzle, face and eyebrows. Her face appears speckled or highlighted at certain parts of the season

One word or phrase to describe her: Protective

Favorite treat: She is our least picky eater! If you would like to make a food donation for Nikki, she says, “surprise me!”

Where can you find her at the sanctuary? She loves hanging out in the backwoods of the sanctuary and often spends time just on the edge of the wood line. She also loves hanging out on the ‘bear beds’, which are tucked between the safety of two trees.

Proceeds from symbolic adoptions support ongoing education, research and public outreach on behalf of American Black Bears in Northern Minnesota.

Bears pictured have been named by staff and are frequent sanctuary visitors! While it is not common practice to name wild animals, we do so for communication purposes and to help connect people with bears. These bears are available for adoption through our ‘Symbolic Bear Adoption Program’. Simply click on a bear image to learn more about each individual bear!

Your adoption comes with a 1-year membership, which entitles you to free admission to The Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary and a 10% discount on in-store and online merchandise purchases. Renew annually to stay up to date with your bear or adopt a new bear every year! Please allow up to two weeks to receive you package by mail. Certificate is emailed digitally, typically within 48 hours of purchase but please allow up to one week.

***When filling out the Adopt a Bear form, if this is a gift for someone else, make sure the SHIPPING name and address are for the recipient!***

How Do I Choose A Bear?

Bears are as unique as people are.

Whether you are adopting a bear for yourself or for someone else, the best matches are based on commonalities. We’ve learned that the strongest bonds form between people and bears that are the same gender, in the same age range or those with similar personalities!

A life-long relationship awaits!

Individual Adoption – $100

Each individual adoption includes:

A plush stuffed bear from WishPets (pictured above)
A folder with a photo of the bear of your choice
A certificate and biography about the bear & bear fact sheet (sent digitally)
10% off in-store and online at out gift shops
The Bear in Mind newsletter, which includes a membership for 1 year (sent digitally)
Official ‘Adopt-A-Bear’ sticker
Free admission to use at our sanctuary from Memorial Day weekend-Labor Day weekend, a one-time use
Official ‘Adopt-A-Bear’ patch
6-month update on the bear of your choice via our Robly email newsletter

Family Adoption – $150

Each family adoption includes:

A plush stuffed bear from WishPets (pictured above)
A folder with a photo of the bear of your choice
A certificate and biography about the bear & bear fact sheet (sent digitally)
10% off in-store and online at out gift shops
The Bear in Mind newsletter, which includes a membership for 1 year (sent digitally)
2 Official ‘Adopt-A-Bear’ sticker
4 passes for free admission to use at our sanctuary from Memorial Day weekend-Labor Day weekend, a one-time use
Official ‘Adopt-A-Bear’ patch
Official ‘American Bear Assoc.’ lapel pin
6-month update on the bear of your choice via our Robly email newsletter

About the WishPets stuffed bears:

Every Wishpets stuffed animal is very huggable and super cute.
The perfect plush toy for kids of any age and for those that are young at heart.
Wishpets make for great companions in the car, on airplanes or even at home!
These animal toys are easy to clean, simply hand wash with light soap and cold water.

Adopt a Bear - Nikki

By American Bear Association

Adopt a Bear - Nikki

Team Members