A remarkable new resident has arrived at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park—Brunhilda, an orphaned brown bear from Romania, has found her forever home in Suffolk.

Rescued from uncertain circumstances, Brunhilda’s journey is one of survival, resilience, and hope.

A Warm Welcome from Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park

Jimmy Doherty, farmer, conservationist, and founder of Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park, was thrilled to welcome Brunhilda:

“We couldn’t be more delighted to welcome Brunhilda to her forever home. Her journey reflects everything we stand for—providing a safe, caring environment for animals in need and giving them a second chance at life.”

Brunhilda now joins Diego, another rescued bear, in the park’s carefully designed bear habitat. As a regional centre of excellence for British native breeds and exotic species conservation, Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park is dedicated to rescuing and caring for protected and endangered species while inspiring visitors to support wildlife conservation efforts.

A Partnership with Bears in Mind

Brunhilda’s rescue was made possible through a collaboration with Bears in Mind, a leading organisation committed to protecting bears worldwide. Their work includes rescuing bears from poor conditions, advocating for habitat conservation, and improving the lives of bears both in the wild and in captivity.

Bears in Mind praised the efforts of Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park, stating:

“Bears in Mind is very pleased and grateful for the rescue and relocation of Brunhilda. She is an important ambassador for her species in the wild, and we are confident she will be a great playing companion for Diego, enriching each other’s lives in their beautiful naturalistic environment.”

Brunhilda’s Journey: From Survival to Sanctuary

Brunhilda’s story began in the forests of Belarus, where she was found orphaned and alone. Initially mistaken for a male, she was named Milan and taken in by Bear Again, the only rehabilitation centre for orphaned bears in Europe. The goal was to release her back into the wild, but due to political tensions and logistical challenges, her return to Belarus became impossible.

As she grew, it became clear that Milan was actually a female bear, making her reintegration into the wild even more complex. With limited options for keeping adult bears at Bear Again’s facilities, a difficult decision had to be made—to find her a new home.

“It was an incredibly difficult decision for us, as she felt like a family member, but sometimes we must make rational choices, even when our emotions tell us otherwise.” – Bear Again Team

To mark this new chapter, Milan was given a new name—Brunhilda—symbolising her strength and resilience. Now, thanks to the dedication of Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park and its conservation partners, Brunhilda has a safe, spacious home where she can thrive.

A New Life in Suffolk

Stevie Sheppard, Park Director at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park, reflected on Brunhilda’s journey:

“Her entire wild life was taken from her due to forces beyond her control—greed, money, power, and space. People need to hear this because many are simply unaware. We’re honoured to be part of her story and look forward to sharing her journey with our visitors. She embodies the very heart of our mission here at the park.”

Brunhilda’s arrival is a testament to the power of conservation and the dedication of those who work tirelessly to protect wildlife. Visitors to Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park will now have the unique opportunity to meet Brunhilda and learn about the importance of wildlife conservation firsthand.

Visit Brunhilda at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park

Come and see Brunhilda in her new home at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park! Learn about her incredible journey and the work being done to protect bears and other endangered species. Every visit supports vital conservation efforts, helping to give rescued animals like Brunhilda a second chance at life.

More information about: Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park.

Last updated: February 2025

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