Daring Escape: Brown Bears Nab Honey at Devon Sanctuary
In a scene straight out of a storybook, two mischievous brown bears at a wildlife sanctuary in Devon, England, staged a daring escape from their enclosure earlier this week. Their mission? A sweet, irresistible treasure: the sanctuary’s honey supply.
Mish and Lucy, sibling European brown bears aged five, are usually described as friendly and easygoing residents at the Wildwood Trust sanctuary. Their typical diet includes fruits, nuts, and, of course, honey. However, Monday turned into an unexpected adventure when the pair managed to break out of their living area.
The Sweet Heist: A Week’s Honey Gone in an Hour
Once free, the bears made a beeline for a nearby stockpile of fresh food. The primary target? The honey stash. Like real-life Winnie the Pooh characters, Mish and Lucy wasted no time. They reportedly devoured a week’s worth of the sweet treat in approximately one hour, demonstrating their clear preference for the golden delight. Surveillance footage even captured one of the bears, Lucy, expertly accessing a food container to get to the goods.
Sanctuary Responds to “Code Red”
Mark Habben, the director of zoological operations at Wildwood Trust, recounted receiving a “code red” alert from the Devon location. Despite initially thinking it might be a drill, the genuine alert prompted the sanctuary to immediately enact its emergency protocol.
Staff quickly moved 16 guests who were present at the time into a secure play barn as a safety precaution. Authorities, including the police, were also alerted. Fortunately, the bears remained in a non-public area throughout their brief breakout, ensuring that none of the visitors were ever at risk.
This sweet escapade serves as a memorable reminder of the intelligence and determination of these incredible creatures, especially when their favourite treat is involved. The situation was quickly and safely resolved, with the only significant casualty being the sanctuary’s immediate honey reserves.
