Located in Middletown, New York, the Orphaned Wildlife Center is a sanctuary where a couple has devoted their lives to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured wild animals. This center, set on a vast 100-acre property, is home to various bears, including Kodiak brown bears, Syrian bears, and black bears. Among them, the most remarkable resident is a large bear named Jimmy.
At 21 years old, Jimmy has lived his entire life at the center after being born in captivity. Unlike many wild animals that are rehabilitated and returned to their natural habitats, Jimmy’s situation is unique. Raised by humans from a young age, he formed a special bond with his caretakers, making it impossible for him to be released into the wild. Nevertheless, his friendly and loving demeanor has made him a cherished member of the center’s family.
Jimmy stands over nine feet tall on all fours and weighs an impressive 1,500 pounds, yet he is incredibly gentle and affectionate towards his caregivers. His favorite food is red meat, but fortunately for the staff, he does not view them as potential meals. The staff describe him as very friendly, stating, “Jimmy doesn’t do any performing or tricks. He has been with us since he was a cub,” on their Facebook page.
The Kowalcziks, who manage the sanctuary, ensure that Jimmy and the other bears live in a safe and nurturing environment, free from the threats of the wild and human exploitation. Their main objective is to release animals back into their natural habitats whenever feasible. However, in cases like Jimmy’s, where animals have been raised by humans and lack survival skills, the sanctuary becomes their permanent home.
Although Jimmy cannot return to the wild, the Kowalcziks have provided him with a life filled with love and care. Mr. Kowalczik has mentioned, “You can go in and lay down with him, and he’ll pull you right in,” highlighting the bear’s gentle and friendly nature. For the Kowalcziks, their mission is not to create a zoo-like atmosphere where animals perform for visitors. Kerry Clair, a director at the Orphaned Wildlife Center, stated, “Our primary purpose is to release these animals into the wild. We only keep them if there’s some problem.”
Jimmy, along with the ten other bears at the sanctuary, has never been asked to perform tricks or entertain guests. The sanctuary is not open to the public, as the Kowalcziks prioritize the animals’ well-being over human interaction. Their goal is always to provide animals with the opportunity to return to the wild, and only those that cannot be safely released, like Jimmy, remain at the sanctuary.
Even though they do not need to hunt for food, the bears still exhibit their natural appetites. Each day, they consume approximately 25 to 30 pounds of food, which includes both vegetarian and meat-based options. Some bears prefer vegetables, while others enjoy red meat. However, all of them share a love for peanuts, happily cracking open the shells and discarding the husks, showcasing their natural foraging behaviors in a safe environment.
Jimmy’s life, while different from that of a wild bear, is filled with comfort, care, and compassion. He and the other bears at the sanctuary are allowed to live peacefully, free from the threats of poaching, habitat loss, or other dangers they would encounter in the wild. For the Kowalcziks, caring for animals like Jimmy is more than just a job; it’s a mission to protect and preserve wildlife that has been harmed or abandoned by humans.
Jimmy’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role wildlife sanctuaries play in providing injured or orphaned animals a second chance at life. Although Jimmy will never roam the wild forests, he has found a new family in the Kowalcziks, who continue to shower him with love and care. For Jimmy, this sanctuary represents a place of safety, security, and companionship—something every wild animal deserves.
Ultimately, it’s not solely about rescuing animals; it’s about giving them a life where they can feel valued, loved, and protected, regardless of the circumstances that brought them to the sanctuary. Through their unwavering dedication, the Kowalcziks are ensuring that Jimmy and his fellow bears enjoy the best possible life, one filled with compassion, respect, and a profound connection to the wild that they will always carry within them.
