Meet Bongo

 

Bongo the Circus Bear Cub, created by Olena Batii.

    Bongo was born to Masha the Dancing Bear at Santorini's Great Euro-American Circus on February 14th, 1906. Bongo is just a year and a half old, which means that in human years, he is about five to six years old. He is very playful, intelligent, curious, friendly and kind-hearted. Very cuddly! However, his curiosity can sometimes get him into a little bit of trouble, like when his nose leads him to the popcorn stand or if he decides to get much too close to see the tusks of a grown hippopotamus (they really appreciate their personal space). Luckily, Bongo is usually accompanied either by his best friend, Polly Santorini the Ringmaster's daughter, or The Lady (which is what he calls me). We help keep the little guy out of any trouble! 

 

    Speaking of the popcorn, this little grizzly bear cub has quite a few favorite snacks and drinks. Popcorn, of course, is one delightfully salty snack that Bongo acquired a taste for during his time at Santorini's as a dancing bear. However, I think that the taste may be secondary to him when it comes to that particular snack. Bongo seems to enjoy it more for the loud crunching sound that the popped kernels make when crunched between his teeth than he does for the starchy or buttery flavors. One snack that Bongo does appreciate for the flavor, however, is blueberries. He and Polly love frolicking out in the woods to hunt for blueberry bushes and picking berries together to their little hearts' content. They just cannot get enough of those little gems of tartness and sweetness. Bongo's favorite treat, however, is a nicely steeped cup of sweet, calming, lavender tea. I'm still getting to know Bongo for the first time, so I do not yet know all of his favorite snacks or drinks.

 

    After a long day of playing and laughing with friends, Bongo finds it easiest to sleep when he is listening to the sounds of a bustling, busy circus at night time- murmuring crowds pouring out of the big top to make their way home, circus performers chattering cheerily around the cook tent in the circus yard, the low rumbles, roars, squeals or other noises of the neighboring animals and the sounds of a distant circus parade calliope playing soothing notes. So I will often play him some circus audio tracks to help him sleep or at least tell him stories about the history of the circus. When he is not sleeping though, Bongo will spend the day exploring every little nook and cranny, playing with his toys, making new friends, learning new things and reading books.

 

... I'll be adding more to this later!