Bears get a lift from Land Rover Knoxville

Jay FitzBlount, Our Town Leaders

Appalachian Bear Rescue, which rehabilitates black bears across the region that have been orphaned, abandoned or injured, now has a new Defender 130 SUV to aid its efforts thanks to Land Rover and Land Rover Knoxville.

Land Rover Knoxville, which is part of Furrow Automotive Group, also announced a long-term partnership with Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR) to sponsor its membership education series, which explains the rescue and rehabilitation process, how bears get injured or abandoned, and how to be bear aware and take steps to avoid or mitigate any human interaction.

This stuffed bear says bye as the Defender leaves for the Smokies.

“The work that Appalachian Bear Rescue does to save cubs and yearlings and educate the community is tremendous and much-needed, as black bears are a treasure in our region and part of the fabric of East Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains,” Furrow Automotive President Lee Ann Furrow Tolsma said.

Land Rover launched the Defender Service Awards in 2021 to celebrate U.S. and Canadian-based nonprofits that make a positive impact in the local community. During the 2022 contest, Appalachian Bear Rescue earned top non-profit status in the animal welfare category from more than 2,150 nominations and submissions across the country.

The organization also received $25,000 from category sponsor KONG, a maker of high-quality and rugged pet toys, to honor ABR’s selection and $5,000 from presenting sponsor Chase Bank.

“We are grateful to Land Rover, Chase and KONG for this incredible vehicle and the monetary awards associated with the Defender Service Awards,” said Dana Dodd, executive director for Appalachian Bear Rescue. “The award will allow us to promote our mission and give us access to the places we have to go to return injured and orphaned bears to the wild.”

As the Land Rover dealer in Knoxville, Furrow Automotive Group was chosen for the official presentation of the SUV. As part of the new sponsorship, the dealership on Parkside Drive also will provide complimentary service of the vehicle for Appalachian Bear Rescue.

Joe Eberhardt, president and CEO, Jaguar Land Rover North America, said it is an honor to present fully-customized Defender 130 vehicles to the Defender Service Award winners. “The winner organizations’ dedication to giving back is an inspiration and exemplifies the can-do spirit of the Land Rover brand.”

The donated vehicle will help Appalachian Bear Rescue tow and transport food, supplies and equipment, as well as reach vulnerable cubs, who often are found in off-road areas.

Maria McHale contributed information for this report.

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