Gaia the wild animal roams around her confined area - Adventurous bear Gaia roams through unconfined habitat
In the picturesque Black Forest region of Germany, a new resident has made her home at the Alternative Wolf and Bear Park in Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach. The wild bear, known as Gaia or JJ4, was transported to the park on July 20, following a tragic incident in Italy that led to her capture.
Gaia, who is nearly 20 years old, had caused a human fatality before her relocation. To ensure the safety of both the bear and the park's visitors, a particularly secure enclosure was built, costing around one million euros. This enclosure is surrounded by a high fence and includes special protection in the ground to prevent Gaia from digging her way out.
The bear initially spent several days in a small pre-enclosure due to her extreme excitement after transport. After about a week of acclimation, she was released into a one-hectare enclosure within the park. However, her current location within the enclosure is not known.
Upon release, Gaia showed signs of excitement, immediately disappearing into the bushes. Despite this, park officials report that she is happy when she can retreat to the grounds of the enclosure. The bear's behavior indicates that she is still adjusting to her new environment and captivity.
The enclosure is not visible to visitors, providing Gaia with a quiet space to adapt. A park spokesperson shared that they barely see the bear at the moment, suggesting that she is finding solace in her new surroundings.
Gaia's arrival at the Black Forest Bear Park was not without controversy. Originally intended to be shot, a court order saved her life, and the park agreed to house her. The park, which already houses Gaia's mother, provides a somewhat familiar environment for her.
The Black Forest Bear Park, also known as the Alternative Wolf and Bear Park, is committed to the welfare and conservation of its residents. The park's team is dedicated to ensuring that Gaia is given the best possible care and a safe, secure home for the remainder of her life.
[1] Source: Black Forest Bear Park press release, July 27, 2023.
The residents of the Black Forest region have shown support for the park's efforts to provide aid for the production of a suitable lifestyle, outdoor-living space, and home-and-garden environment for Gaia, the newly relocated bear. In approximately one million euros, the community has collectively donated to aid for the production of agricultural products, such as the growth of bushes and plants, to enrich Gaia's new surroundings and promote her adjustment to captivity.
As Gaia continues to acclimate to her new environment, members of the home-and-garden club have organized garden workshops at the park, educating visitors about the importance of creating sustainable, balanced ecosystems that cater to the needs of bears, ultimately contributing to the bear's happiness and well-being.
