9.6.2025 by Pat Waldron
As our trip to Jimmy’s Farm on 12th May was only going to be a short 3 hour visit, we headed straight for the four polar girls at the far end of the park. (Stopping only to take the occasional photo on the way). We first spotted Ewa in the largest enclosure, laying on the grass at the side of the water. The other bears were nowhere to be seen so we assumed they were still in the house or had wandered into the wood.
After 10 minutes we glanced across to the small enclosure, (which is still quite large) and Flocke, Tala & Hope were lining up to climb out of the water. How we missed seeing them I do not know!
Tala and Hope
The three girls headed for the closed gate where they were then let into the main housing area. Hope was allowed to go through to Ewa in the larger enclosure and promptly went for a little swim. Flock & Tala had to stay in the small enclosure and wood area.
After speaking with the keeper, it seems that they are mixing it up a little and limiting the time that all four bears together…….mainly to give Ewa more ‘chilling out’ time. Ewa & Hope got on quite well together, perhaps because they knew each other from their time in Orsa Park? Although they didn’t interact, Ewa certainly looked more relaxed than on my previous visit and only gave Hope the occasional glance when she was nearby. The two both spent the time just chilling or on walkabout.
Hope
Beautiful Flocke
Flocke & Tala on the other hand were totally the opposite and it showed just how strong a bond they have with each other. Tala spent a lot of the time playing in the water and she was occasionally joined by mum Flocke.
Tala was having so much fun on my visit, I lost count of the number of times she climbed out and went back in the water.
Tala was in and out of the water so many times, she has so much energy, it was really lovely to see.
They rolled around in the long grass and even went into the wood to feast on the new shoots.
Flocke
Tala
Tala is still as playful as ever and was having a great time playing with the white buoy on my recent visit.
The water in the enclosure has a steep bank around it and, at one point, Flocke did get quite anxious when she lost sight of Tala. They were at opposite ends of the water and walking around it in the same direction. Flocke went to the house, towards the wood, up the bank and she still couldn’t see Tala.
Eventually they found each other, they came across to the fence in front of us, Flocke sat down and let Tala suckle from mama’s milk bar……although I imagine it was running on empty! What a bond! …….
Now it was time for us to leave!
Finally some close-ups for you:
Snow white Flocke
Snow white Hope
Almost white Tala 🙂
Off white Ewa 🙂
🇬🇧 Bärengrüße nach UK 🇬🇧
Das sind super Fotos und ein toller Bericht – Dankeschön.
🇯🇵 Liebe Grüße von Eisbärin Yume 🐻❄️ Zoo Kobe 🇯🇵
https://flic.kr/p/2r9PhQq
https://flic.kr/p/2r9NUyz
https://flic.kr/p/2r9vjY8
Liebe Pat, ja die immer noch enge Bindung von Tala und Flocke ist rührend.
Schön, das Ewa nun mit Hope etwas entspannter zurechtkommt.
Es ist erfreulich zu sehen, wie sich die Pfleger um die individuellen Bedürfnisse kümmern.
Vielen Dank für die tollen Fotos und deinen ausführlichen Bericht!
Liebe Grüße
Britta-Gudrun
Dear Pat!
I agree with Britta-Gudrun about the close bond between Tala and Flocke and find it amazing that Tala is still being suckled by Flocke.
How good that Ewa is being allowed a bit of rest, she looked really stressed in the last photos.
I hope that the situation continues to ease and that the bearlasies can live together in a relaxed way.
Thank you for your great photos!
Hugs
Anke
Dear Pat!
The pictures are great. I am very glad that Ewa does not stay always alone.
Tala has still a strong bond with Flocke. All bears look very nice.
Hugs
Ludmila
Dear Pat and Mervi
Thank you for this report on the four ladies at Jimmy’s Farm.
The green fields remind me of the film Sound of Music.
I am afraid that Ewa is behaving as any female would around Flocke and her daughters. The natural instinct to protect is very strong.
Sorry! It should have been bearladies…
Vielen Dank für die tollen Fotogrüße von den vier Mädels und den ausführlichen Bericht dazu.! 👍🐻❄️🐻❄️🐻❄️🐻❄️👌
Tala ist noch immer sehr aktiv und die enge Bindung zu Flocke ist ungebrochen.
Es ist gut, dass auch Hope und Ewa ihren eigenen Bedürfnissen nachkommen können. Die räumliche Trennung von Zeit zu Zeit nutzen die Beiden sogar, um sich ganz entspannt etwas näher zu kommen …🐻❄️🐻❄️/🐻❄️🐻❄️😊