‘World’s loneliest bear’ dies happy after finally getting her freedom
The ‘world’s loneliest bear’ has died just a few months after being moved to an ‘alpine paradise’ in Switzerland.
Jambolina enjoyed a brief spell of freedom after waking from her first ever hibernation and was even introduced to a male companion in the spring of this year.
The European brown bear had been forced to perform for crowds with a Ukrainian circus and left in a tiny cage since she was a cub – leading to her nickname.
But reports say the 12-year-old animal died during a routine operation at her new home.
Staff at the Arosa Bear Land in the Swiss Alps said they are devastated at the news but grateful that Jambolina had a brief taste of life after a decade trapped alone.
She was due to be sterilised and have dental work done by an experienced team of wildlife vets on Thursday, August 5.
The medical care had been described as a routine intervention intended to allow the bear to spend a number of happy years in the sanctuary.
But Jambolina died shortly before the operation when she stopped breathing after receiving anaesthetic.
Desperate attempts to resuscitate her were in vain.
An autopsy is due to take place in Zurich and is expected to provide further information that might explain the death.
She had been rescued from a Ukrainian circus and sent 1,500 miles away to Switzerland by animal rights organisation Four Paws in December 2020.
The charity wrote on social media: ‘It is with heavy hearts and deepest sadness that we have to inform you that Jambolina suddenly and unexpectedly passed away.
‘Shortly after Jambolina received her anaesthetic injection, her breathing stopped for reasons that are still unknown.
‘Despite all efforts to resuscitate her, she unfortunately passed away. We are currently investigating what caused Jambolina’s death.’
The bear was said to be nervous and scared when she arrived at the enclosure, but quickly adapted to her new surroundings.
Jambolina was described as energetic and sociable after coming out of hibernation in May this year.
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She was also seen with a male called Meimo that had been introduced to her enclosure and they were seen playing together.
Meimo had been in the same sanctuary since being was rescued from in Albania two years ago.
The enclosure’s scientific director Dr Hans Schmid said despite Jambolina’s shyness at first, it took only a few minutes for the two of them to bond and have a play fight – a natural behaviour.
After the bear fight, Jambolina was seen lying on her back, which experts say means she felt comfortable with the other bear.
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