The Welde's
bears range in size from 200lbs to 1200lbs. These incredibly
intelligent animals spend a good part of the year visiting
fairs, festivals, theme parks, and corporate outings raising
the awareness of the loss of habitat and the dangers of
loosing our beautiful endangered species. The Welde family
consisting of John, Monica and three children Jennie, John
Jr. and Angelica are dedicated to educating the public.
It is now a scientifically proven fact that if we continue
to destroy our wild animals
our very existence is in jeopardy.
Bears have been part of the
Welde family for nearly seventy years. Starting in Trondleim,
Norway with Johnny Johnson Welde who had the dream of running
away with the circus. Johnny's intense desire to learn about
animals stimulated his work with horses, performing as a
Cossack bareback rider as well as an accomplished aerialist.
He also worked with camels and zebras. As he learned of
their extreme intelligence he became fascinated with bears
and they soon became his passion.
By the time he was twenty-six years old he had his own trained
bear act. As the years passed he performed extensively in
Europe, Russia and South America. John Ringling North discovered
him working with two groups of Polar bears and Brown bears
during his European tour and brought him to America. It
was shortly after his arrival in the United States that
he, his Danish wife Tove and their young daughter Conny
settled in Tampa, Florida. As their daughter Conny grew
older so did her love for the bears. She loved sharing in
the extensive responsibility, care and training. In 1956
Conny gave birth to a son, Johnny III. She continued to
work with the bears and her young son developed the love
and concern for these incredible creatures as his grandfather
and mother had.
At the age of four Johnny III was spotted by a Hollywood
talent scout while walking a huge Alaskan black bear. Later
this resulted in a movie career for Carroll the Black Bear.
Carroll later would star in movies for Disney, 20th Century
Fox and Universal as well as many appearances in major television
sitcoms such as The Lucille Ball Show, Beverly Hillbillies,
National Velvet and Lassie. Today third generation John
Welde III along with his wife Monica and their two children
Jennifer and Johnny IV continue the tradition.
The Welde children are fortunate to be included in the rearing
and handling of the bears as well as being taught to respect
and care for all wildlife. As youngsters they have had the
opportunity to help with the round the clock hand feeding
and raising of the cubs. They are also participating in
educating the public to an even greater awareness of the
necessary preservation of bears. They take great pride in
the responsibility that comes with the continued breeding
and the providing of bears to various zoos throughout the
country for the purpose of conservation. Because the human
population is growing in vast numbers the bears' natural
habitats are being destroyed at an astronomical rate. At
one time there were 200,000 Grizzly Bears in the lower 46
states. Today there are fewer than 1,000. Some species of
bears only exist in captivity.
The Welde's training methods are based on developing the
natural and unique talents of each individual bear through
patience, reward, love and understanding. The relationship
between man and bear must be one of mutual respect. The
Weldes goal is to educate the public through entertainment
to promote the preservation of some of God's most beautiful
and important creatures; "Welde's Big Bears".


Angelica
shows the crowd one the Welde's newest additions.
Miami Dade Co. Fair - March 2007
"The
Welde Bears were fantastic! Great crowds, great reception.
They are always very easy to work with - from set up, to
the run of fair shows and details, to move out. Always
a pleasure."
Stephen
Arizona State Fair
11/2008
Click
The Lower, Left Arrow to begin the Promo Video

Big kiss during the Miami Dade Co. Fair, 2007




John Welde 3 1/2 years old. (above)


Enjoying
the cool pond at home

Grizzly Falls pool area