Chef Bravely Frees Frightened, Stuck Animal From Garbage Bin
For Immediate
Release:
October 13, 2011
Contact:
Kristin Richards 202-483-7382
Allenspark, Colo. — A baby bear became stuck after trying to squeeze under a cage surrounding a garbage bin outside the Wild Basin Lodge & Event Center on October 7. The lodge owner heard the baby bear's cry for help and contacted authorities and alerted staff members, who went outside to see the young bear's mother trying to free him. That's when the lodge's executive chef, Brent Lewis—knowing that the authorities were located more than two hours away and afraid that the struggling bear would hurt himself before they arrived—took matters into his own hands. He took hold of the baby bear and gently pulled him free of the cage. The baby ran out and climbed into a tree, from which his mother retrieved him, and together the family returned to the woods. For helping a wild animal in need—even when the baby's protective mother was nearby—Lewis will receive PETA's Compassionate Action Award.
"Thanks to the brave actions of Brent Lewis, a young bear escaped his frightening ordeal," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "Lewis' compassionate act is a compelling reminder that each of us can show kindness to our wild animal neighbors."
The Wild Basin Lodge & Event Center is now rebuilding its garbage bin covering so that no more wild animals can get stuck. All residents can take a few easy steps to make sure that no animal is harmed by garbage and recycling bins:
- Rinse out tin and aluminum cans, put the tops inside so that they can't cut animals' tongues, and crush the open ends of the cans as flat as possible.
- Cut open empty cardboard and plastic containers so that squirrels and other small animals can't get their faces or heads trapped in them.
- Cut apart sections of plastic six-pack rings, including the inner diamonds, so that they don't choke any animals.
For more tips on helping wildlife, please visit PETA.org or click here.
