Category Archives: Business

Bearizona closes for a record number of days

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Williams — The recent snow has caused many businesses to shut down. Even Bearizona Drive-Thru Wildlife park was affected.

In a release, Sean Casey wrote, “After getting 13 more inches of snow last night, we are now at 10 feet! Not surprisingly, it has caused Bearizona to close for a record number of days this snow season.”

The latest snow dropped 13″ of snow in downtown Williams. That caused many of the businesses downtown to shut their doors and hunker down at home. Most restaurants and chain-stores remained open.

According to the Flagstaff Weather Service in Bellemont, Bellemont set a record of 146.7-inches beating out the 2009-2010 winter season. Flagstaff received 140.1-inches of snow this season almost reaching the 1948-1949 season when they received 153.9-inches. Williams received over 90″ of snow this season.The good news is that the sun came out about noon and started melting off the current snow. As the sun set, the temperatures dropped and the melt-off quickly started to freeze. The Weather Service long range forecast shows sunny days ahead through Thursday.

Bearizona Wildlife Drive Through open Thursday

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–Bearizona Photo

WILLIAMS — Bearizona Wildlife Drive-Through Park in Williams closed this week due to the heavy winter storm that passed through Williams leaving over 20″ of snow in many areas. This is a rare move for Bearizona, but park Director Sean Casey made the decision for the safety of the staff, animals and customers. The park plans to open by Thursday.

Snow was this high in Bearizona. — Bearizona photo

“Bearizona employees are working hard to get the roads and paths cleared by Thursday,” Sean said in an email. “Closing the park is a rare event, but with the sudden snowfall and closed highways it seemed like the right decision.”

–Bearizona Photo

Another winter storm is expected Friday, but should leave less than 3-inches which does not usually evoke a closure. In fact, the snow brings Bearizona to life, for the most part. Many of the animals thrive on the weather and move about more making Bearizona a great experience.

–Bearizona Photo

Bearizona is currently open 7-days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Their hours change in the summer. In addition to the drive-through, they have a walking area with a petting zoo, dining in the Canyonland restaurant, and shopping to support their mission and their donations to various wildlife causes.

Other businesses in Williams are opening as they dig out from the storm. Most restaurants in the area remained open and the City of Williams has done a good job of clearing the streets of snow although there will be some areas impacted for a while. They should catch up the next two days, however, since we will see the sun for a couple of days. Saturday through the beginning of the week we should see mostly sunny skies making Bearizona a pleasant sight to visit.

It was reported that some of the animals at Bearizona were less than enthusiastic.–Bearizona Photo

Bearizona to Rescue Three Orphaned Grizzly Bear Cubs in June

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WILLIAMS — Bearizona, a popular wildlife park devoted to providing homes for wild animals in need, announced today it will rescue three grizzly bear cub siblings in June who were orphaned after their mom was euthanized by the Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks Service (FWP) following a surprise encounter with a hiker. The park plans to build a 40,000-square-foot enclosure for the cubs by March 2021 that will be one of the largest and most impressive grizzly bear enclosures in the United States upon completion. The public will be able view the four-month-old cubs beginning Friday, June 12 in the walk-thru section of the park, where they will live in the established enclosure Bearizona reserves for bear cub rescues.

The three grizzly bear siblings—one female and two males, who each weigh about 40 pounds now—became orphans after their mom was shot and injured by a hiker near Dupuyer, and ultimately had to be euthanized on April 9, 2020. At the time, it was not clear how many cubs she had. Three days later, a ranching family spotted her three cubs huddled together in a nearby field and reported them to the authorities.

While waiting for FWP to arrive, the family grew concerned for the cubs’ safety due to an impending snowstorm and a male grizzly that lives in the area. Since they are adept at roping, the family was able to gently rope the cubs and keep them safe until FWP arrived and transported them to a wildlife center.

The cubs remained at the Wildlife Center at Montana WILD for nearly two months while the FWP staff searched for a new home that would meet its rigorous, scientifically based standards that include:

  • Exceptional animal care and welfare, including a curate trained staff
  • Veterinary care
  • Safety for the public, staff and animals they care for
  • Proper enclosures that can keep wildlife safely contained, allow for adequate space, include habitat features, and enrichment items for mental stimulation
  • Educating the public on conservation
  • Financial stability

“Bearizona Wildlife Park is a Zoological Association of America accredited facility and has in place many of the high standards that FWP requires. Both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks Service did a lot of research on this facility, which also got very high recommendations from the AZ Fish and Game, AZ USFWS, AZ USDA, AZ state veterinarians, and many others,” said Laurie Wolf, Interim Education Bureau Chief for FWP. “Bearizona has also committed to investing an extraordinary amount of money into building an incredible new enclosure and exhibit for these three cubs. Also, most of the bears they currently have on display were orphaned cubs that were often placed there from AZ Fish & Game. We also chose them because they get over 400,000 visitors annually and focus on conservation education.”

Bearizona Owner Sean Casey will personally transport the cubs from Helena, Montana to Williams, Arizona on June 3 using a jaguar kennel in an air conditioned cargo van with the assistance of his 25-year-old nephew, Kevin Jr.

“While it is unfortunate that this sort of thing happens in the wild from time to time, we are honored to be able to take in these three grizzly cubs and provide them with the best home possible,” Casey said. “We are beginning construction in June on a new 40,000-square-foot exhibit with the goal of making it the best in the United States for these incredible animals. Since we have a nimble team of skilled plumbers, electricians, carpenters and concrete artists, we anticipate spending about $1 million on an exhibit that would ordinarily cost most municipal zoos more than $4 million. Our main goal is to create a truly spectacular natural habitat where ‘bears can be bears’ in order to help us educate our visitors about the plight of the grizzly and the environments in which they thrive.”

The new grizzly bear habitat at Bearizona will feature a 200-foot-long by 24-foot-high cliff, two waterfalls, underwater viewing sections and a rock ridge from where people can look down, into the enclosure, or up, into the grizzly ponds. Visitors will be able to safely view the bears due to the construction of moats, railings and some glass walls.

American zookeeper Jack Hanna is especially pleased about this development, as he is a big advocate of Bearizona and the park’s ability to rescue and care for grizzly bear cubs.

“I have attempted to help Bearizona Wildlife Park get grizzly bears in the past because I feel it is one of the top places in the United States for North American animals,” Hanna said. “They give their animals plenty of space and surround them with professional and caring staff. Bearizona’s large yearly attendance ensures that millions of people will be able to be educated about grizzly bears and leave with a newfound respect for these majestic animals and the forests they call home.”

Bearizona is a 158-acre facility accredited by the Zoological Association of America and is currently home to 39 black bears and many other species of North American wildlife. The drive- and walk-through park’s mission is to rescue wild animals in need of new homes and promote conservation by inviting visitors to view wildlife in spacious, natural environments. Since it was founded in 2010, Bearizona has fast-become a must-see attraction when visiting the Grand Canyon’s South Rim or driving through Northern Arizona. It was voted among the top three wildlife parks by the annual USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards twice in the past three years.

Animal lovers interested in supporting the new grizzly exhibit can purchase many items at shopbearizona.com/grizzly.

City Council votes to let Williams Businesses stay open

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WILLIAMS – The Williams Council meet in an urgent session to determine the response to the recent Coconino County Supervisors orders to close businesses beginning at 8 p.m. tonight. The Council decided to recommend that businesses follow CDC guidelines, but they would not enforce closures.

Mayor Moore, of Williams, said that the Council carefully weighed the available information and decided that there was no justification for such a measure at this time. He stressed that businesses should continue to observe CDC guidelines.

What this means is that bars and restaurants may remain open for dine-in service. Other government agencies may remain open. The Recreation Center indicated they will remain open unless otherwise informed.

Williams is still, unfortunately, being hit with economic woes with the Grand Canyon Railway not running and tourism down.

Williams is an incorporated City and may approve to not enforce certain County resolutions, but unincorporated towns are required to abide by them.

Williams Event Huddle scheduled for February 10

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WILLIAMS — The Williams Event Huddle has been scheduled for 2020. The event is scheduled, this year, for February 10 at 5 p.m. at the Family Harvest Church behind Safeway at 220 S 7th Street in Williams.

At the Williams Event Huddle local community service and non-profit groups, churches, city and government organizations, clubs and businesses gather to distribute information about their group. They share goals and plans for 2020.

Residents are welcome to come and learn about the various services in the area and, perhpas, get in touch with a group they wish to join or whose services they may need.

Groups that wish to speak and be represented can contact Kerry-Lynn Moede at 602-818-6559.

Business Plan Development Training begins open enrollment

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Basic Business Empowerment (BBE) is accepting applications for the next Basic Business Empowerment Business Plan Development Training. Training will start on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m., January 14 to March 31 at the Health and Human Services Building, 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff.

The CCHHS BBE Business Plan Development Training has assisted people in starting or expanding a small business since 2007.

BBE participants will learn to:

  • Create a business feasibility plan
  • Clearly define product or service
  • Analyze market and competitors
  • Project cash flow and profit
  • Plan and more

Participants may also be eligible for Individual Development Accounts (IDA) match saving grants. An IDA is a special bank account to save earned income for small business start-up and/or expansion available to income and asset eligible candidates. Every dollar saved, up to $2,000, will be matched with two dollars, up to $4,000, for approved business asset purchases.

The cost for the 12-week BBE training is $125.00 with need-based 50% scholarships available for income qualifiers. For more information or to enroll, call 928-679-7453, or visit www.coconino.az.gov/bbe.

Bearizona Kicks Off Wild Wonderland Holiday Celebration

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Bearizona photo

Bearizona, a popular drive- and walk-thru wildlife park devoted to providing homes to wild animals in need, kicked off the annual Wild Wonderland celebration last night. Visitors are allowed to enter the glowing Fort Bearizona after normal operating hours every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December to experience this night-time extravaganza.

Wild Wonderland is a family-friendly event that immerses guests in the Christmas spirit as they stroll among 400,000 lights illuminating the towering ponderosa pine trees. The lights are synchronized with traditional Christmas music every half hour, providing a dynamic multimedia show of colors and sounds. Additionally, several of the park’s resident critters, such as jaguars, otters, bobcats, raccoons, badgers and foxes, will be staying up late to open their early Christmas presents for the viewing pleasuring of park guests.

Guests will also be given the opportunity to spend time with Mrs. Claus during a nightly story time reading in the gift shop, stay warm by the outdoor fire pit where they can purchase s’mores to roast, and enjoy the seasonal libations and holiday treats available for purchase at Canyonlands Restaurant. After story time, kids of all ages can take photos with Mrs. Claus.

The full nightly schedule for Wild Wonderland is below:

  • 6 pm – Front gates open
  • 6:30 pm – Jaguars and otters open presents
  • First light show takes place, repeating every 30 minutes until 8:30 pm
  • Craft room opens in gift shop
  • 7 pm – Story time with Mrs. Claus
  • 7:30 pm – Bobcats and raccoons open presents
  • 8 pm – Story time with Mrs. Claus
  • 8:15 pm – Last admittance
  • 8:30 pm – Badgers and foxes open presents
  • 9 pm – Park closes

“Our Wild Wonderland has always been a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and get into the spirit of the holidays,” said owner Sean Casey. “We are proud to continue providing this experience for the thousands of park visitors who have let us become a part of their family traditions.”

Tickets for Wild Wonderland are available online at http://www.bearizona.com/ for $13 (using promo code bzwild19) or $20 at the gate, and children under the age of 3 are free. Admission to this event is a separate charge from general park admission. Wild Wonderland takes place in the Fort Bearizona walk-thru portion of the park only; the drive-thru portion of the park is closed. Wild Wonderland will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Bearizona Welcomes Vernon the Bald Eagle on Veterans Day

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WILLIAMS — Bearizona, a popular drive- and walk-through wildlife park devoted to providing homes to wild animals in need, is introducing its first bald eagle on Veterans Day. He was named Vernon by the winner of the company’s recent naming contest that reached over 30,000 animal lovers across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and was shared 124 times in just 24 hours.

The contest called for all Bearizona fans and supporters to submit a name appropriate for such an incredible animal that represents the strength and freedom of America ahead of the national Veterans Day holiday. The winning name was chosen out of 850 fan entries and honors George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. Vernon is especially fitting since the first president of the United States and Bearizona’s first bald eagle were both from the great state of Virginia.

After he was seen fighting with another eagle in what was likely a territorial dispute and suffered injuries affecting his ability to fly, Vernon was rescued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department and made his way to multiple facilities over the last decade before finding his forever home at the Bearizona Wildlife Park, where he will have the space and care he needs to thrive.

“He’s very shy, but he loosens up after a few fish,” said Susan Davidson, founder of High Country Raptors. “The staff continues to learn more about him and his likes and dislikes every day, and we are doing our very best to keep Vernon feeling as comfortable and safe as possible in his new home.”

Visitors will be able to visit Vernon for the first time, along with the rest of the Bearizona residents, on Veterans Day, this Monday, Nov. 11. Free admission will be offered to all individuals currently serving in or who have honorably served in the U.S. military.

“Eagles are becoming more common here in Virginia and I see them a couple of times a month. My heart still jumps in excitement when I see one,” says contest winner, Laurinda Bowling of Bland, Virginia. According to Savannah Carleton, a second contest winner who chose the name Vernon, “Since the bald eagle is from Virginia, it seemed perfect for his name to be Vernon. But when I saw someone else had suggested it, I just decided to ‘second’ their vote. It’s always fun to participate and vote when an Arizona park gets a new member and the community gets a voice in the process.”

ADOT to hold Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Conference

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PHOENIX – An Arizona Department of Transportation conference in October will help owners of small businesses and those qualifying for ADOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program to become more competitive within the highway industry.

The ADOT DBE and Small Business Conference, to be held Oct. 22-23 at the Casino Del Sol Resort in Tucson, will include an orientation for new and prospective DBE firms, 15-minute “speed” appointments with agencies and prime contractors, and an opportunity to learn about ADOT programs designed to help you build your business.

The goal: helping small businesses and those owned by members of socially and economically disadvantaged groups compete for transportation projects that receive federal funding.

With a theme of “The Spotlight Is On You,” workshops at the conference will focus on People Power, Smart Transportation and Finding Projects.

Although the conference is geared toward disadvantaged business enterprises and small businesses, it’s open to all businesses, public agencies, vendors and community partners with an interest in transportation.

For more information and to register, please visit the ADOT’s DBE Supportive Services Program page at azdot.gov/DBESupportiveServices.

Bearizona commission special sculpture for International Sculpture Day

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WILLIAMS – Bearizona, a popular wildlife park near the Grand Canyon devoted to providing homes to wild animals in need, is commissioning a famous sculptor family to create a new sculpture for the park in honor of International Sculpture Day on April 27, called “Inspiration Gone Wild,” in the hopes that if a grizzly bear-centric totem is built, the grizzly bears will come.

Josh, Jesse, and Jonathan LaBenne—who has created sculptures for celebrity clients including Robert Redford, George W. Bush, Richard Petty, John Crawford, and Judge Judy, to name a few—have also helped sculpt Bearizona into the experience it is today since the park’s inception in 2009. Among the impressive sculptures and full-scale experiential art installations the Afton, Wyoming family has created for the wildlife park are Canyonlands Restaurant, complete with sculpted canyons, eagles and a black jaguar, and the replica of an old mine that houses Bearizona’s gift shop.

Jonathan “The Bear Man” LaBenne is the patriarch of the artistic family, whose sculptures grace many art galleries throughout mountain regions in the United States and worldwide. He was originally known as a chainsaw artist, but his desire for refinement and detail as well as his passion for relief work began to show as he incorporated grinders, sanders, torches and high-speed carving tools into his trade.

He and his wife, Pamela, who is also an artist, began teaching their children how to create art at a very early age.

“We now have a family of awesome artists!” he says. “But our crown jewel is, undoubtedly, Canyonlands Restaurant at Bearizona.”

The LaBenne family continues to use a variety of materials and tools. At Bearizona, for example, many of the rock sculptures and arches overlay old cars and trucks. The otter mountain in the new otter habitat is built on top of a recycled dump truck, along with old Dodge and Chevy pickup truck parts. The rocks and ledges at Canyonlands Restaurant are also built on steel framing covered in sheet metal, which were later covered with foam, plaster, concrete and other mediums to sculpt the rock walls and ruins.

“One of my favorite things to do is recycle old materials and turn it into something new and beautiful,” LaBenne says. “When I see a totaled car at a junk yard, for example, I immediately start imaging what shape of rock it could be.”

A New Sculpture for Bearizona in Honor of International Sculpture Day: “Inspiration Gone Wild”
Bearizona owner Sean Casey announced today, in honor of International Sculpture Day, he is commissioning the LaBenne family to create a new sculpture called “Inspiration Gone Wild,” which will be on display in the walk-through portion of the park next to the otter habitat. The sculpture will feature a giant grizzly bear at the base of a real tree accompanied by three grizzly bear cubs climbing the tree, who are meeting three friendly otters, curious to see the cubs. A bald eagle on a nest will top off this epic collection of sculpted creatures, harmoniously existing on a single tree.

“There is no question about it: Bearizona would not be the experience it is today without the LaBenne family and their incredible talent and vision,” Casey says. “We could not be more thrilled that the new otter habitat will be marked by yet another fantastic LaBenne creation, and we are hopeful that if we build a grizzly bear sculpture, we may attract the opportunity to rescue them in the future. We have been wanting to rescue grizzly bears for years.”

Since it was founded in 2010, Bearizona has fast-become a must-see attraction when visiting the Grand Canyon’s South Rim or driving through Northern Arizona. It was voted among the top three wildlife parks by the annual USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards twice in the past two years.