Rescued bear Diego arrives at 'forever home'

A brown bear who was at risk of being put to sleep has arrived at his new "forever home", according to a wildlife park.

Diego was rescued after his previous zoo in Sweden announced it was closing and staff feared any animals left behind there would be euthanised.

The last remaining bear was rescued and was living in a park in Devon while his home at Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park, near Ipswich, was being built.

Park owner Jimmy Doherty described the experience as a "marvellous achievement".

Members of the public will be able to visit Diego from 28 March

“I couldn’t sit there and do nothing, knowing that Diego was going to be put to sleep. It just wasn’t right," Mr Doherty said.

"I am over the moon that he is safely here, at his forever home, and incredibly proud of all my team and the public who helped us get here by donating to Diego’s cause."

In October 2023, Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park embarked on a campaign to save the bear and were "overwhelmed" by public support which saw more than £60,000 donated to the cause.

According to the park, building Diego's home was a "race against time".

The bear needed a place to sleep while he entered torpor - a type of hibernation - over the winter.

Park director Stevie Sheppard said seeing Diego step into his new home was a "career highlight".

The public will be able to visit Diego from 28 March.