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EcologyDevon, England

Brown Bear Siblings Stage Sweet Escape in Devon Sanctuary

Mish and Lucy, two European brown bears, delight sanctuary staff by breaking out and raiding a honey stash, highlighting their playful nature and the sanctuary's quick response.

By Claire MosesSource: nytimes.com1 min read

In brief

A light-hearted incident at a wildlife sanctuary in Devon saw two brown bear siblings, Mish and Lucy, escape their enclosure and indulge in a honey feast. Their antics successfully captured the hearts of onlookers and showcased the importance of prompt safety measures.

In a delightful turn of events recently at a wildlife sanctuary in Devon, England, two five-year-old brown bear siblings, Mish and Lucy, made headlines by breaking free from their enclosure and embarking on a honey heist. The charming bears, known for their friendly demeanor, evidently couldn’t resist the temptation of a week’s worth of honey, which they consumed with gusto in less than an hour.Mark Habben, the director of zoological operations at the Wildwood Trust, which manages the sanctuary, received an unexpected alert about the bears' escape while he was at the organization's other site in Kent, several hours away. Initially thinking it might be a routine drill, Habben quickly sprang into action upon learning it was a genuine emergency. He set contingency plans into motion, ensuring the safety of 16 guests by relocating them to a secured play barn and notifying local authorities. Fortunately, visitors were never in danger, as the bears were contained away from public areas.The fun escapade unfolded brightly against a backdrop reminiscent of children's tales, showcasing the bear's playful and mischievous nature. Surveillance footage unveiled the moment Lucy skillfully infiltrated a food container, leading to the chaos of honey-covered bliss. This lighthearted story serves as a reminder of the creatures’ intelligence and the crucial role of wildlife sanctuaries in conservation efforts.

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