Jambolina, the world’s loneliest bear, spent her entire life in a cage, forced to perform for a circus.
Recently rescued by animal rights organization Four Paws, this 11-year-old bear is finally getting to meet other bears at a sanctuary in Switzerland.
Previously, Jambolina endured confinement in a tiny cage within a garage in Ukraine, only being allowed to perform for the circus.
After being rescued, she embarked on a four-day, 1,500-mile journey to the Arosa Bear Land reserve in Switzerland, where she will now have the opportunity to live a more natural life among other bears.
Jambolina’s rescue was prompted by the efforts of Four Paws, who were contacted due to the overcrowded conditions in their Ukrainian rescue center.
Since her birth in January 2009 at Yalta Zoo in Crimea, she had been used as a circus bear. Still, the cancellation of public performances due to the pandemic left her owner unable to care for her adequately.
Katharina Braun from Four Paws International highlighted the dire conditions Jambolina faced, being kept alone in a cramped cage for years.
The rescue mission involved crossing multiple borders amidst travel restrictions and was a complex endeavor requiring meticulous planning and care to ensure Jambolina’s well-being.
At the Swiss sanctuary, Jambolina will undergo a period of adaptation, with caretakers monitoring her closely to help her regain her instincts, including the possibility of hibernation.
Her health, including her teeth and claws, will receive attention, addressing the neglect she endured in captivity.
Despite regulations in Ukraine regarding the minimum size of cages for bears, enforcement is lax, leading to instances of cruelty and neglect.
Jambolina’s case highlights the urgent need for better protection for captive animals worldwide.
In her new home at the Swiss sanctuary, Jambolina symbolizes hope for a better life for animals rescued from exploitation, showcasing the importance of organizations like Four Paws in advocating for their welfare and providing them a second chance at happiness.
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