In what park officials are calling a “highly unusual but ultimately heartwarming incident,” two young bears made an unexpected escape from their enclosure at a wildlife park in Devon—and went straight for the good stuff.
Mish and Lucy, four-year-old Eurasian brown bears housed at the Wildwood Trust in Devon, broke free from their enclosure earlier this week in a brief but chaotic adventure that has since captured the attention of both local authorities and animal lovers across the country.
According to park officials, the pair managed to slip out of their secure habitat and make their way to the food storage area of the park, where they promptly devoured an entire week’s supply of honey.
A “Winnie the Pooh” Moment—With Real Bears
Described by some staff as a scene reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh, the mischievous bears appeared to have a clear objective from the moment they got out: food. More specifically—honey.
“This was no aimless wander,” one zookeeper said. “They made a beeline straight for the food store. Once inside, they focused solely on the honey, tearing through containers and licking everything clean.”
Though the event may sound comical in hindsight, park staff acted swiftly. As soon as the escape was detected, visitors in the area were safely and immediately escorted to a secure building as part of the site’s emergency protocol. No injuries occurred, and at no point were guests or staff placed in direct danger, according to officials.
Bears Under Surveillance
Throughout the ordeal, Mish and Lucy were closely monitored both on the ground by trained staff and via the park’s CCTV system.
“They were never out of sight,” said a park spokesperson. “We knew where they were at all times. They weren’t aggressive or panicked—they were more interested in raiding the cupboards.”
After about an hour of exploring and indulging, the bears calmly made their way back to their enclosure on their own and fell asleep soon after—no doubt in a sugar-induced haze.
Police Called In, Security Review Underway
As part of established wildlife safety protocols, local police were called to the scene. Officers assisted in monitoring the situation until the bears were safely secured.
Wildwood Trust has since launched a full internal investigation into how the escape occurred. The park confirmed that the enclosure has now been reinforced, and additional safety checks are being conducted to prevent future incidents.
“We take the safety of our animals, staff, and visitors incredibly seriously,” the Trust said in a statement. “We’re grateful to everyone involved who helped bring the situation to a calm and safe conclusion.”
From Abandoned Cubs to Wildlife Stars
Mish and Lucy’s journey to the Devon countryside is a remarkable one. The siblings were discovered abandoned in a snowdrift in the Albanian mountains after their mother disappeared. Malnourished and alone, their chances of survival in the wild were slim.
Conservationists initially attempted to rehabilitate the cubs for reintroduction into their natural habitat. However, after several efforts, it became evident that they lacked the skills necessary to survive without human assistance.
Thanks to an international fundraising campaign, the pair were transported to Wildwood’s Kent site in 2020. After several months of acclimating to their new environment, they were transferred to the charity’s Devon location, which became their permanent home.
Life at Wildwood: Pools, Trees, and Plenty of Snacks
Since arriving, the bears have adapted well to life in the sanctuary. Mish, the more energetic of the two, is known for his love of water and can often be seen splashing in pools or rolling in the grass. Lucy is more reserved and enjoys climbing trees and lounging with her brother.
Their diet consists of a carefully balanced mix of fruits, berries, vegetables, fish, seeds, and meat—along with occasional treats like honey, which, as it turns out, they find irresistible.
“This incident has reminded us all just how intelligent and resourceful these animals are,” one staff member reflected. “They knew exactly what they wanted, and how to get it.”
No Harm, Just Honey
While the escape did spark temporary concern, park officials are emphasizing the positive takeaway: the bears are safe, no one was harmed, and the incident provided valuable insight into animal behavior and enclosure safety.
“It was an unexpected situation, certainly,” the spokesperson said. “But in the end, it was resolved peacefully, and we got to see just how much Mish and Lucy still surprise us.”
As for the honey? Staff are reportedly keeping it under tighter lock and key.
Published: 23 July 2025