HOPE NEWS FLASH!!!!!!

[Nasoosie]

**NEWS FLASH** "Lily and Hope reunited on their own! Details in tonight's update! We're overjoyed! -- SM -- ( It's the last day of voting...ends tonight at 11:59pm EST"

The above posted by Sue Mansfield and Lynn today! More:

"We watched Lily and Hope play hard, forage and nurse 4 times. They are sound asleep next to each other now. Surprisingly, Lily has resumed lactation!" -- SM --

WHAT???? How is that possible???? I am totally flabberghasted!! And look at these pictures!


Lily on her back with Hope nursing!


Two totally exhausted, very contented bears-----Mama Lily and baby Hope back together.

I have no clue how this happened, and no idea how long it will last-----but WOW!!!! It's like some kind of miracle.

[Bethers]

Very kewl. Thanks for posting!

[avalen]

wow, how long was that separation? about a month at least huh? They look very
happy with each other.

[jemek]

That is awesome news. Can't wait for the more info update.

[VickieP]

That's neat that they found each other!

[retiredhappy]

Soooooo happy they're back together. When Hope was alone you just wanted to pick her up and cuddle her - probably not a good idea with a wild bear but that's the way I felt.

[sharon]

Awesome Soos! Thanks for letting us know!

[cpatinjones]

That's sweet.

[AlmostThere]

That is happy news. I just hope Momma doesn't take off again! Wonderful pictures! Thanks Soos!

[Nasoosie]

The way I see it, even if Lily does take off again, at least Hope has a tracking collar now, and is used to getting food supplements from Sue and Lynn. And, for the time being, is getting mother bear's milk with all its good stuff for baby bears, has a playmate and some peace of mind, and can sleep the sound sleep that baby bears should be able to sleep if they are not alone.

Much has been learned by studying the wanderings of this little cub on her own. It has been 6 weeks since the two of them were last together...a long time in the life of a baby. If Lily should still be atractive to boar bears, she will have to try to lose Hope to protect her. I am hoping she is no longer in heat, and that the new lactaion hormones that seem to be surging will prevent her from being pursued by a male.

Just mind boggling to me!

[JanetA]

God takes care of his creations!

[bikerchic777]

I missed all the info while they were separated, so not quite sure how it happened. Didn't know hope was being cared for so that is nice! I thought it was Hope that was missing. Glad they are reunited! I do know even people can resume lactation. Women who adopt can even induce lactation to breast feed the baby.

[BarbaraRose]

Wow! That is like a miracle! I am so happy to hear this! Good to see that Lily took Hope back and is able to nurse again. Was so worried about Hope being out there alone and trying to survive on her own at such a young age, but she probably learned a lot on her own that most baby bears don't know until much later, so that will help her down the road. She had to grow up fast for awhile. Now she can go back to being a baby again! I hope they stick together now and can den up together this winter. What a huge relief! I am sure the researchers have learned a ton from this experience! It sure has been an interesting experience for me!