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EcologyDevon, England

Brown Bear Siblings Stun Sanctuary by Breaking Out and Raiding Honey Supplies

Mish and Lucy, two European brown bears, escape their pen at Wildwood Trust in Devon, England, leading to a sweet surprise as they indulge in honey.

By Claire MosesSource: nytimes.com1 min read

In brief

The adventurous antics of Mish and Lucy, two five-year-old brown bear siblings, made headlines after they escaped their enclosure at a wildlife sanctuary in Devon, England, and promptly feasted on an entire week’s worth of honey, much to the surprise of staff and visitors.

In an unexpected event that resembles something out of a children's tale, Mish and Lucy, two sibling European brown bears aged five, managed to escape their enclosure at the Wildwood Trust sanctuary in Devon, England. The pair, known for their friendly demeanor, made a beeline for a stash of honey, devouring the sweet treat meant for an entire week in just under an hour.On a Monday afternoon, Mark Habben, the director of zoological operations at Wildwood Trust, was alerted from another sanctuary location about a "code red" situation concerning these mischievous bears. Initially assuming it could be a routine drill, Mr. Habben quickly realized the gravity of the situation when he learned the bears were indeed on the loose. He activated emergency protocols, ensuring the safety of the 16 visitors present by escorting them into a secure play barn while contacting local authorities.According to Mr. Habben, none of the individuals were ever at risk, as the bears had moved outside of their designated areas and into a more controlled environment. Security footage later revealed the moment Lucy, the more adventurous of the duo, broke into a food container, leading to their impressive honey heist.While the escapade might have caused significant concern for staff and visitors alike, the story has since become a heartwarming reminder of the playful and instinctive behaviors that wildlife exhibits, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of these enchanting creatures.

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