More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A pair of bear cubs rescued from poachers and predators after being abandoned by their mother are set to arrive in Kent.
Siblings Mish and Lucy were found deserted in a snow drift high in the Albanian mountains and at risk of death earlier this year.
But it has been revealed that the orphaned Eurasian brown bears will arrive at the Wildwood Trust, which is located between Canterbury and Herne Bay, on Tuesday, August 18.
The charity's head of living collections, Mark Habben, said: "They’ve had a traumatic start and deserve to feel safe and happy, able to grow and learn together, in the sanctuary of their new home.
"We can’t wait to get them here to see them exploring their fantastic new home.”
The brother and sister will arrive in the UK from Belgium, where they have been living temporarily since they were found.
Their new home will be equipped with climbing towers, a water feature and numerous opportunities for them to explore, play and forage.
Conservationists believe the sanctuary encourage them to behave naturally.
The Wildwood Trust has raised more than £35,000 to help Mish and Lucy in their race for survival.
However, it still wants to generate more than £200,000 in order to build a permanent woodland enclosure for the animals at the charity's site in Escot, Devon, by 2021.
Wildwood director general Paul Whitfield said: “The Eurasian brown bears are an amazing species.
"They give us a glimpse into the rich history of Britain’s wildlife when bears would have lived alongside people.
“We’re thrilled that Mish and Lucy will be settled into their new home with us before winter and can’t thank people enough for their generous donations and support.
"These bear cubs deserve the best possible future and with your help, we can give it to them.”
To donate, click here.
Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.
