KAMLOOPS (NEWS1130) – An animal rights group is calling for the release of a rare spirit bear, which is currently in a wildlife park in Kamloops.
    
The kermode bear, which carriers a rare genetic trait that turns its fur creamy white was relocated to the BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops after conservation officers determined the animal wasn’t a good candidate for relocation.
 
The 18-month-old male cub, dubbed Clover, was captured, rehabilitated and released by a northern BC group, but was trapped again just months later when it continued to stay near humans.
    
The Vancouver-based animal rights group Lifeforce has written an open letter to the premier, asking the province to free the bear and describing the park as a “jail.”
    
Clover tried to make a run for it earlier this week, but was recaptured.
    
The manager of the BC Wildlife Park, Glenn Grant, says the kermode is too friendly towards humans and won’t survive if it’s released into the wild.