In an amusing twist, a pair of bears named Mish and Lucy, residing at Wildwood Trust in Devon, have had their honey supply replenished thanks to an outpouring of community support following their recent escapade. The European brown bears caused quite a stir when they escaped their enclosure due to an unlocked gate and made a beeline for a nearby food store, devouring a significant amount of honey, jam, and other supplies, prompting a brief “code red” at the facility.
Mark Habben, the director of zoological operations at Wildwood Trust, highlighted the generous donations from the local community, including a notable 15kg tub of honey. He expressed immense gratitude for the support, stating that people have been eager to meet the bears and share in the joy of their antics. “It’s just been really lovely support from the local community. They really are a lovely, peaceful animal,” Mr. Habben remarked.
The escape occurred around 3 PM BST on Monday, leading to a temporary lockdown of the park as staff and police intervened. After about 55 minutes, Lucy returned on her own, while Mish was lured back using food and a bell. Following their sugary feast, the bears exhibited playful behavior, running through their habitat and climbing trees, before finally dozing off in their enclosure, just as numerous visitors arrived to catch a glimpse of the duo.
While the incident raised safety concerns, with a review already in progress to prevent a repeat occurrence, the overall reaction has been positive. The bears’ antics have not only entertained onlookers but also strengthened community bonds, showing how a light-hearted situation can foster support and engagement, bringing a joyful spotlight on these charming animals.