‘Trouble bear’ Gaia, who killed a 26-year-old jogger in Trentino, northern Italy, in 2023, was actually due to move to a high-security facility in the Black Forest this year. But the arrival has now been postponed…
The animal’s arrival at the Black Forest Alternative Wolf and Bear Park has been postponed until spring 2025. This is partly due to weather-related delays in the construction of the enclosure, a spokesperson said.
The 17-year-old bear, sister of ‘problem bear’ Bruno, attacked a jogger in Val di Sole in northern Italy last April, fatally wounding him. She was subsequently captured alive. She should find a new home in the bear park – away from the visitor traffic.
Animal rights activists have prevented the killing
First, Gaia must be killed. However, after lengthy legal disputes, animal rights activists managed to ensure that the animal, named JJ4, was allowed to live. The bear park in Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach had already given permission to record Gaia some time ago. She currently lives in a residence near Trento in Italy.
The approximately one hectare open space in the bear park is expected to cost approximately one million euros and will be financed from donations. The site will be surrounded by electric fences of approximately three meters high and will also be equipped with so-called undermining protection, the spokesperson further explains. This is to prevent Gaia from digging her way back under the fence to freedom.
Surveillance with cameras is also planned. A lot of rain recently has made work difficult. The terrain is also very wooded and mountainous.
Operators prefer murder
However, the bear park does not look forward to the arrival of the wild bear with joy. “It would have been better to shoot Gaia because she is used to freedom,” the spokesperson said. “The fact that she now has to live in captivity is hell for her.” freedom, not the case.
Gaia will always try to escape and will not be happy in the bear park. “It means animal suffering and animal torture,” the spokesperson said. In principle, it is not a concept to capture striking wild bears and keep them in captivity. However, the bear park has repeatedly made exceptions when accepting such bears.
Solitary confinement for Gaia
Gaia is not allowed to have contact with visitors and will live alone in her enclosure for the time being. Depending on developments, other bears living in the bear park could join her later. It is not clear when exactly Gaia will come to the Black Forest. So far there is no date for the transport.
Animals rescued from emergency situations live in the Alternative Wolf and Bear Park in the Black Forest. Among them is the brown bear Jurka, mother of Gaia. In the summer of 2006, Gaia’s brother Bruno became the first bear to set his paws on Bavarian soil after 170 years. He was shot in the Rotwand area of Bavaria.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
