Jambolina

Jambolina † - the Ukrainian circus bear

Jambolina, a former circus bear from the Ukraine, found her new home at the Arosa Bear Sanctuary on 11 December 2020. After years of abuse in the circus, where she performed tricks, she was rescued by Four Paws.

Facts

Jambolina

Born on 15 January 2009 in the Ukraine.
Former circus bear
Hand reared by animal trainer
Weight: Late autumn 160 kg / early summer 100 kg
Character: active and curious
† 5.8.2021 at the Arosa Bear Sanctuary

History

2009

15 January 2009

Jambolina was born in the Ukraine. When she was just a cub, she was purchased by a Ukrainian animal trainer who reared her by hand and trained her.

2011-2020

Jambolina in the circus

Jambolina spent her adolescence in the circus where she regularly appeared before the audience and performed tricks such as balancing on a rope and riding a scooter. She lived in a small cage and had to endure long journeys in poor conditions.

Spring 2020

Covid-19

When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, no more circus appearances were possible. The trainer kept Jambolina in a 4 m² cage in his garage and only took her for occasional walks.

November - December 2020

Released to Arosa

The trainer handed over Jambolina to Four Paws for financial reasons. The animal welfare organisation brought her to the Arosa Bear Sanctuary on 11 December 2020 and she found her new home.

December 2020: After her arrival at the Arosa Bear Sanctuary, Jambolina carefully explored her new environment. She showed signs of behavioural problems - she would walk around in a circle for hours - a clear indication of her difficult past. However she also began her first hibernation - an important step in her recovery

Spring to Summer 2021

Meeting Meimo and Amelia

In spring 2021, Jambolina met Meimo and Amelia for the first time. At first she was unsure, but she slowly got used to the company of the two bears. On 29 May, she explored the outdoor enclosure for the first time and bathed in the pond. From 22 June, she met Meimo without the separating fence, they ran and bathed together although Jambolina rejected his advances. On 5 July, she also met Amelia without the fence, there was a fight for dominance which Amelia won. Jambolina accepted her role and became more confident in her relationship with the two bears.

August 2021

Jambolina’s last months

Jambolina was due to receive urgent dental treatment. Unfortunately she died unexpectedly after an anaesthetic induction on 5 August 2021. Her sudden death left a big hole, however her development during her time at the Arosa Bear Sanctuary remains a touching example of healing and returning to a species-appropriate life.

Useful Information

Transfer

On 7 December 2020, the FOUR PAWS team arrived in the Ukraine to prepare for the transport of Jambolina. After an examination by a vet and administrative tasks, the transport started. Delays due to the complexity of the transport documentation were finally resolved, and Jambolina was freed from her small cage. The journey to Arosa was over 2,400 kilometres.

During the trip, Jambolina was well cared for and, for the first time, was given food suitable for a bear, which she visibly enjoyed. On 11 December, she arrived in Arosa, where she faced the final challenge: transport by cable car to the Arosa Bear Sanctuary. When she arrived, Jambolina was initially unsure, but she soon confidently took her first steps into her new life. When she entered her new home, it was an emotional moment for everyone.

Outdoor enclosure

On 29 May 2021, Jambolina entered the south outdoor enclosure for the first time. She was hesitant at first, however after 20 minutes, her curiosity overcame her fear and she explored the area, starting with a bath in the pond. After an initial hectic exploration, she returned to the indoor enclosure after 30 minutes, and then displayed unusual behaviour. For five days, she mainly stayed there, but frequently looked outside. Over the next two weeks, she felt more sure of herself and then finally laid down in the grass

After these initial experiences, Jambolina also gained access to the north outdoor enclosure where, after some shaky starts, she explored the forest and steep slopes. To their surprise, she slept in the forest for the following nights, an indication that she was familiar with the new terrain.

At the same time, Meimo showed interest in Jambolina, which indicated it was the perfect time to let them meet.

Meeting

On 22 June 2021, Jambolina met a bear for the first time without a separating fence - this was Meimo at the outdoor enclosure in Arosa. Initially they kept their distance but soon positive contact was made and they began to play together, to bathe and to graze in the grass. However, Jambolina rejected Meimo’s attempts to mate.

Then, on 5 July, 2021 Jambolina met Amelia. Initially they both made threatening gestures to each other, which indicated an imminent fight for dominance. After a short time, Jambolina submitted and withdrew while Amelia enforced her dominance. When the hierarchy had been established, the pair were increasingly confident when they met.

In spite of Jambolina’s lack of experience with other bears during her time in the circus, she was able to display behaviour typical for a bear and learned how to deal with her fellow bears, both when foraging and in the outdoor enclosure. She gained confidence and successfully asserted herself to protect her rest and her food.