Benji and Balu, the 13-year-old bear brothers, are now settling into their new home at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary in Sandown after being rescued from captivity in Azerbaijan.
The brothers arrived on the Island for the first time yesterday morning (Wednesday), before taking their first steps in their purpose-built enclosure this morning (Thursday).
Benji and Balu previously spent years living in a cage in Azerbaijan.
Their arrival marks a historic moment for the Island and a new chapter. The last time bears were on the Isle of Wight was 30 years ago, making Benji and Balu’s relocation a symbolic return.
Lawrence Bates, CEO of the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, has said:
“This is a landmark moment,
“Benji and Balu will experience grass beneath their paws, cool water to wallow in, and expert care every day. They finally get the life they deserve.”
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Their 3,500 square metre enclosure includes soft grass, natural ponds, shaded trees and cosy dens. It’s been built thanks to a £300,000 fundraising campaign supported by hundreds of individuals and businesses from across the Isle of Wight and beyond.
This rescue mission is the result of a partnership between Wildheart Animal Sanctuary and the Ministry of Ecology in Azerbaijan, who were key in facilitating this move to ensure the bears could get access to the best healthcare and habitats available.
In addition, NGO’s Bears in Mind, Four Paws and private individuals were critical to ensure all the many pieces of the puzzle were in place, allowing the 2 bears safe passage to the UK.
To safely transport the 2 fully-grown bears across continents, Europe’s leading cargo airline, Cargolux, stepped in to sponsor their journey. The airline provided specially built transport crates and flew Benji and Balu free of charge on a direct flight to the UK, drawing on its expertise from previous animal relocations including the famous transfer of beluga whales to Iceland.
Once in the UK, the final leg of the journey saw the bears travel overland before boarding a Wightlink ferry to their forever home on Wednesday, making them the first bears to cross the Solent in living memory.
Sanctuary CEO Lawrence went on to say:
“This incredible story is a testament to what can be achieved when compassionate people and organisations come together.
“We’ve had support from every corner, animal lovers who donated, teams who designed the bears’ new home, and companies like Cargolux who made the impossible possible.”
I’m sorry, but it has to be said…
Why is that twunt in the video wearing a face nappy outside?
Did the Plandemic ever end, they are still jabbing the
sheep.
Lol
Omg that is fantastic news they are finally here. I would give a donation all the time, just to make sure they are looked after this is what we do as brits, they deserve to have a much better life, not total freedom but omg after what they have endured! Well done to all involved in rescuing them, you should all be proud of yourselves. XX
Brilliant news, great to see, Welcome to the Island Boys, may your lives be long and happy.
You may not realise it yet, but the human race can do good; they just don’t always show it.
Love and best wishes, Boys.
The best B&B in Sandown
It fills you with joy just to see them