Hollywild Animal Park Photo
Visitors met the two-month old Syrian brown bear cub during the park’s fifth annual International Earth Day celebration last Saturday.
Hollywild Animal Park Photo
The cub’s (human) baby soft feet were a surprising detail to visitors at the park last weekend.
Hollywild Animal Park / Photo
Emily Harper of Seneca received a bear kiss just after the cub made its first public appearance at Hollywild Animal Park last Saturday.
“Nyeff” (pronounced nigh – eff) was submitted by Gerald N. Abraham of Spartanburg, and his sister, Delores Abraham of New Castle, Pa., The Syrian name means “ above all” and is Gerald Abraham’s middle name whose parents were born in Syria.
The name is documented for Syriana’s birth and medical records. Nearly 100 submissions for the cub naming contest were entered.
Starting this weekend, the park will be open daily and visitors can meet Syriana Nyeff during her periodic public appearances, most often during Creature Feature Shows. She is also available for private Bear Encounters.
“Other animals at the park have two names or long names that often get shortened for quick reference. We had many submit the name “Syri” so that will be this little girl’s nickname. In all, we’re excited that we had eight people bring to light the names that will be used throughout this bear’s life,” said Mary Lee Rollins, Assistant Director of Hollywild Animal Park.
Singer and Gerald Abraham will each receive a one-day family pass, a plush bear and a certificate recognizing their contribution to the cub’s name.
Those submitting her nickname: Deena Spradlin (Spartanburg), Debbie Payne (Boiling Springs), Jennifer Easler (Chesnee), Anne Day (Tryon, N.C.), and Tillman Peeler (Boiling Springs) will receive a certificate and two admissions passes to the park.
“We really didn’t know if we’d be drawn to the Syrian names or if another name would jump out at us. We knew our fans and friends would help us find the right name for this little one and they certainly have,” said Jennifer Decarranza, Animal Curator, who has been hand rearing the cub for several weeks.
Hollywild will be open Saturday and Sunday for the last Sneak Preview Days when admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 2-14.
On Monday, April 1, Hollywild will be open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., and Friday and weekends, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission will be $12 adults, $10 for students and military with ID, $8 for children 2-14, seniors (over 65) and handicapped individuals.