A polar bear has arrived at TV presenter Jimmy Doherty's zoo in Suffolk after being rescued from a closed facility in Sweden. The bear, named Ewa, was facing euthanasia if a new home could not be found.
Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park, near Ipswich, confirmed that Ewa's adult cub, Miki, died upon arrival at the zoo. A post-mortem revealed an unknown heart condition that likely would have been fatal regardless.
The park has constructed what it describes as 'Europe's largest polar bear reserve', featuring deep lakes up to 14 metres deep and five acres of woodland. Doherty explained that the water will help Ewa regulate her temperature during warmer months, noting that polar bears in Hudson Bay experience summer temperatures up to 24°C.
Doherty, known for TV shows such as 'Jimmy's Farm' and 'Jamie and Jimmy's Friday Night Feast', said he 'couldn't bear the idea of her being put to sleep'. The zoo worked with experts across Europe and Russia to ensure proper care and adheres to strict European zoo guidelines.
Responding to criticism about keeping an Arctic animal in East Anglia's temperate climate, Doherty emphasised that the enclosure includes shaded woodland and deep cold water for the bear to cool down. He also highlighted robust security measures, noting that polar bears are the largest land carnivores.
