Bear cubs treated to farewell party before heading to ‘forever home’

Two bear cubs have received farewell presents from keepers as they prepare for an adventure to pastures new.

Furry siblings Mish and Lucy have become firm favourites at Wildwood Trust in Kent after they were rescued from Albania two years ago.

The pair have a close family bond and have worked their way into their keepers’ hearts.

They will soon head off to their “forever home” in Devon but not before being treated to a farewell party and presents.

Mish and Lucy were given enrichment gifts stuffed with their favourite treats including apples and sweet potatoes.

Visitors can see Mish and Lucy every day from April 12 until they leave for Devon later this spring.

They will then go to live at the trust’s sister site, Escot, which is a 1.5 acre custom-built woodland where they can forage, play, explore and use all their natural bear instincts and behaviours.

Paul Whitfield, director general at Wildwood Trust, said: “Mish and Lucy have become firm favourites here at Wildwood and while we will all no doubt miss them, we’re so excited for them to head down to our sister site to their forever home.

“After a tough start in life we’re delighted to be able to offer the cubs a fresh start. We’ve been building their new home since they arrived with us last year, it’s so exciting to see it come together and filled to the brim with fantastic features for Mish and Lucy to enjoy.”

Wildwood bear keeper, Jon Forde, said: “Although we will miss their cheeky personalities, we couldn’t be happier that Mish and Lucy are moving to their fantastic new home in Devon.

“Luckily, we still have Fluff and Scruff, our wonderful adult bears, here at Kent and the two of them have just ventured out into their woodland enclosure after their winter slumber for the summer season, which is always exciting.”

The trust has an expert reputation for rescuing and rehabilitating bears, following Fluff and Scruff’s rescue from a hunting facility in Bulgaria in 2014.

The trust has the Visit England Good To Go seal of approval, highlighting Covid-safe places to visit.