Bear saved and transported to Devon through Eurotunnel

Diego the brown bear, who was facing the threat of being killed in Sweden, has been successfully transported to Devon via the Eurotunnel. The Wildwood Trust, a conservation charity, played a crucial role in rescuing Diego, who was believed to be the last remaining bear at a zoo in Sweden that is closing down. The staff at the Orsa Predator Park in Sweden were instructed to euthanize any animals left behind, which prompted the trust to step in. Mark Habben, the director of zoological operations at the Wildwood Trust, stated that Diego arrived safely at the Devon Wildlife Park near Exeter after his train journey. Originally, Diego was scheduled to travel by ferry, but due to the adverse weather conditions caused by Storm Ciaran, the decision was made to transport him by train at the last minute. Habben mentioned that Diego had his own carriage and although he was awake during the journey, he appeared tired and sleepy. Upon his arrival in Devon, Diego was described as calm and settled as he was relocated to his new enclosure. Despite the challenges posed by the pitch-black darkness, heavy rain, and strong winds, Diego adjusted well to his new environment. The Wildwood Trust intends to provide temporary housing for Diego over the winter. During this time, it is expected that he will experience a period of rest called "winter torpor." Bears enter a deep sleep during this period, with intermittent periods of activity. Following the winter period, Diego will be transferred to Jimmy's Farm and Wildlife Park in Ipswich. Apart from a lynx, Diego was the only remaining animal at the Swedish zoo. The Wildwood Trust emphasized that if they had not intervened, Diego's survival would have been unlikely. The trust has a track record of working with European Brown Bears, having previously rescued Lucy and Mish, two orphaned bears from Albania in 2019. Habben acknowledged that Diego had garnered significant public support in Sweden and had become a well-known figure. He described Diego as a large, gentle, calm, and intelligent bear. The complex process of relocating Diego involved close collaboration between two organizations and required the assistance of many individuals. The local community in Devon has shown tremendous support for this operation. The staff at the park became aware of Diego's situation while rescuing a polar bear from the same Swedish zoo. Jimmy Doherty, from Jimmy's Farm and Wildlife Park, expressed gratitude for the help provided by the Wildwood Trust, which will allow them to construct an exceptional living environment for Diego. Readers can stay updated by following BBC News South West on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, or by sending story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.