Loved-up bear leaves zoo for new girlfriend

Wednesday 24 July 2019

A "playful and mischievous" resident of Jersey Zoo is leaving to move in with his new Danish girlfriend, which it's hoped will lead to "the pitter patter of tiny paws."

Four-year-old Andean bear Raymi will be departing the island on 30 July to join a female bear in Givskud Zoo in Denmark.

The pair were carefully matchmade by the Andean bear studbook holder, who is in charge of pairing up the mammals. Once together, it's hoped the duo will breed and make what Durrell described as a "vital contribution" to keeping the species going.

Raymi - whose name means "celebration" in Quechuan, the Andes' indigenous language - was born in Jersey on 3 January 2016 to mum and dad, Bahia and Quechua.

Pictured: Raymi will set off for Denmark on 30 July.

Jersey Zoo described the bear as "an adored member of the zoo's bear family, whose playful and mischievous behaviour has been enjoyed by both staff and visitors alike".

Keepers say they can't 'bear' to see him go, but feel he's ready for the "next chapter of his life".

Leila Boyd, who has been one of Raymi's keepers since birth, commented: “Raymi will be hugely missed by everyone at the zoo. We’ve all watched him grow into the strong, independent bear he is today. He’s full of character and has certainly kept us busy these last few years with his adolescent bear antics.

Pictured: Raymi's new home in Denmark. (Google Maps)

"As much as we will all miss him, he has a great adventure ahead of him and we look forward to updates from his new keepers at Givskud Zoo. Here’s hoping for the pitter patter of tiny paws at Givskud in the near future.”

GALLERY: Baby Raymi...