We finally have the answer to how two Kodiak bear cubs ended up in Florida. Shae Allen Hensley, 53, of Baker, has been charged by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission with nearly a dozen counts, including importing the bears without a permit, not reporting their escape, and holding the bears in an inadequate enclosure.
The two cubs escaped from Hensley's property and were found wandering around a rural road on Dec. 5. Sheriff's deputies and the FWC investigated the loose Kodiaks and said they soon found the enclosure the cubs escaped from on Hensley's property.
According to WEAR, the FWC determined that the bears and other wild animals lived in enclosures that were not up to standards. Hensley was also cited in connection with other animal enclosures on his property, which included raccoons, skunks, and foxes.
Hensley told the FWC that he had all his permits and licenses in order when he got the cubs in February 2023. But the FWC said the license had expired and that he did not submit an application until a month later—an application that has yet to be accepted. His facilities did not receive the proper inspections, but the FWC did report that Hensley was building a permanent enclosure for the bears.
Hensley told the agency that he believed the bears got loose because he "forgot to lock the gate" on the temporary enclosure, which was made of a simple chain-link fence and wire mesh for a roof. The FWC reported that it was "the same style you would buy to keep domesticated pets at home," according to the outlet.
Hensley told the FWC he was the bears' trainer, not their owner. He told the agency that the bears' owner was New York resident Larry Wallach, owner of Sloth Encounters. Wallach has received over 50 federal citations in connection with violations of the Animal Welfare Act, according to Humane Long Island. Citations included one regarding the illegal possession of Nile monitors with intent to sell, and sloth-related violations.
Sloth Encounters was also the subject of a Humane Society investigation. "The owner of this appalling facility shows no regard for the health and wellbeing of animals or public safety," said Brian Shapiro, New York state director for the Humane Society. "His numerous animal welfare violations warrant shutting this place down and never allowing him to have animals in his care. Our investigator documented how deplorable this operation is and the extent of abuse for profit."
So far, Wallach is not being charged in connection with the cubs, but the FWC said he does not have any license or permits to transport them to Florida. While the agency did not say what Hensley had planned for the cubs, it did report that they are healthy and safe living at ZooWorld in Panama City Beach.
READ MORE: Officials: No Florida Bear Hunt This Year or Next
