Jim Kowalczik, a dedicated caretaker at the Orphaned Wildlife Center (OWC) in Otisville, New York, has a unique way of helping orphaned bears fall asleep—by napping with them.
Jim’s daily routine at the center is demanding. He gives back rubs to Jimbo, a 1,500-pound Kodiak bear, and plays with Jenny and Amy, two Syrian brown bears.
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To recharge, he sometimes takes naps, often on a pile of hay, cuddled up with four rescued Syrian bears.
Over the past decade, Jim has developed an extraordinary bond with these bears rescued from a breeding program and cannot return to the wild. They now live permanently at the center.
Jim and his wife, Susan, established the Orphaned Wildlife Center in the 1990s as a sanctuary primarily for orphaned bears.
They immediately took them in when they learned about a family of Syrian bears needing a home. Over the years, these bears have grown into healthy adults, forming a deep friendship with Jim.
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