Brunhilda the brown bear arrives at Jimmy's Farm in Suffolk

Brunhilda arrived at Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park earlier this year after being discovered alone and orphaned in a forest in Belarus more than three years ago. 

Initially named Milan by her rescuers - who thought she was a male - she was taken to the rehabilitation centre in Romania, Bear Again, with the hope of returning her to her homeland. 

Brunhilda was discovered alone and orphaned in a forest in Belarus in 2021 (Image: Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park) READ MORE: Suffolk Leisure News

Described by the team as "an exceptionally beautiful animal", the staff grew close to her while working towards rehabilitation.

When the time came to release Brunhilda back to her homeland, ongoing political tensions and military tensions with Belarus, as well as the Ukraine war, meant plans failed as no transport company was willing to take her.

A year passed with no resolution as the team at Bear Again fought for her return, but unfortunately, they were unable to her safe access to Belarus.

It was around this time their experts also made the shocking discovery that 'Milan' was actually a female, and she was renamed Brunhilda.

She was then taken to a rehabilitation centre in Romania who initially thought she was a male (Image: Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park) Eventually, Bear Again was unable to keep Brunhilda at their site, as their facility isn't equipped for adult bears, and an agreement was made to move her to Jimmy's Farm in Wherstead. 

The team at Bear Again said: “It was an incredibly difficult decision for us, as she felt like a family member, but sometimes we must make rational choices, even when our emotions tell us otherwise.

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She was unable to return to her homeland due to the war in Ukraine (Image: Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park) "We’ll visit her from time to time and will always think of her as our child, thriving in a new land.”

Stevie Sheppard, park director, said:​ “Her entire wildlife was taken from her due to forces beyond her control—greed, money, power, and space.

"People need to hear this because many are simply unaware. We’re honoured to be part of her story and look forward to sharing her journey with our visitors. She embodies the very heart of our mission here at the park.”

She finally arrived at Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park in Wherstead earlier this year  (Image: Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park) Jimmy Doherty, founder and CEO of the farm, said: “We couldn’t be more delighted to welcome Brunhilda to her forever home. Her journey reflects everything we stand for—providing a safe, caring environment for animals in need and giving them a second chance at life.”