In a tale of wildlife resilience and cross-continental adventure, Wildwood Trust, a conservation champion, emerged as the hero in the rescue of Diego, affectionately dubbed “the last remaining bear” at Sweden’s Orsa Predator Park. With the impending closure of the park, the staff faced a heartbreaking directive to euthanize any animals left behind.
Mark Habben, the maestro behind Wildwood Trust’s zoological operations, orchestrated Diego’s daring escape. The original plan involved a ferry, but the tempestuous Storm Ciaran deemed it too perilous. Undeterred, Habben pivoted masterfully, arranging an alternative journey for Diego aboard the prestigious Eurostar.
Diego, tipping the scales at a majestic 57 stones (360kg), found himself in the lap of luxury—a carriage to call his own. As the Eurostar whisked him away to safety, Diego, though weary from the odyssey, embraced the adventure with a sleepy yet contented demeanor.
This saga unfolds as a testament to the unyielding commitment of Wildwood Trust to safeguard the majestic creatures with whom we share this planet. In the face of adversity and unpredictable storms, Diego’s odyssey becomes a symbol of hope, resilience, and the unwavering dedication to preserving the untamed wonders of our natural world.
Upon his arrival in Devon around 20:00 GMT on Thursday, Diego exhibited a commendable sense of tranquility and adaptability, as reported by Mr. Habben. Despite the challenging conditions of pitch-black darkness, pouring rain, and gusty winds, Diego, cocooned in a dry and warm crate, seamlessly transitioned into his new enclosure.
The conservation trust has outlined plans to provide Diego with a “temporary” haven throughout the winter. During this season, Diego is anticipated to embrace “winter torpor,” a phase of deep rest for bears involving extended periods of profound sleep interspersed with brief moments of activity. This careful consideration for Diego’s well-being underscores the commitment of the trust to ensuring his comfort and natural rhythms during the colder months.
The magnificent bear is set to embark on a journey to Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park in the charming town of Ipswich. Diego, a colossal 9ft (2.7m) creature, held the distinguished title of being the final resident in the Swedish zoo, according to Mr. Habben.
In a twist of fate, Diego’s relocation wasn’t initially in the cards, as the zoo had no immediate plans for another bear. However, Mr. Habben expressed that if not for this unexpected decision, Diego’s fate might have taken a darker turn.
The trust responsible for this grand endeavor has gained acclaim for its efforts with European Brown Bears, particularly rescuing orphans Lucy and Mish from abandonment in Albania back in 2019. Diego, it seems, has become a celebrity in Sweden, capturing hearts and sparking a groundswell of support for his quest for a new home.
Describing Diego as “wonderful, really big, gentle, and very calm and intelligent,” Mr. Habben highlighted the extensive collaboration between two organizations and the Swedish authorities to orchestrate this complex relocation.
The people of Devon rallied behind this cause, offering tremendous support, creating a united effort to ensure Diego’s well-being. The story unfolded as park staff, already engaged in rescuing a polar bear from the same Swedish zoo, learned about Diego’s plight.
Jimmy Doherty, the driving force behind Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park, expressed gratitude for Wildwood’s assistance, emphasizing that this collaboration would provide the time and resources needed to craft a fantastic environment for Diego’s new chapter.