It’s not every day you hear a plea for hawthorn branches – but that’s exactly what the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight is asking for, as their two European brown bears, Benji and Balu, go wild for autumn snacks.
The rescued brothers, who arrived this summer after being saved from poor conditions overseas, are thriving in their new home. But their carers say the hungry pair have begun stripping their habitat bare – flattening bushes and even scrambling up trees to get to the best berries and leaves.
“Brown bears aren’t renowned climbers, but Benji and Balu have even scaled a hawthorn to get to the berries at the top,” the Wildheart team revealed. “They’ve already flattened an elder bush in their bid for food, so now we’re putting out a shout for branches to make sure they get the diverse plant matter they need.”
The appeal comes as autumn sets in – a season when wild bears feast in preparation for a potential hibernation. Whether Benji and Balu will hibernate this winter remains to be seen, but the Sanctuary is determined to give them every opportunity to follow their natural instincts.
It’s a remarkable shift from their former lives. When Benji arrived in June, he weighed just 165kg. After months of foraging, digging and climbing, he’s now 204kg. Balu is thought to be just as hefty.
The bears are showing all the right signs: digging dens, climbing for food, and fattening up for winter. But in doing so, they’ve munched through much of the habitat’s greenery – and now need more.
The Sanctuary is now calling on local residents and animal lovers further afield to donate cut hawthorn, hazel or willow branches – ideally with leaves or berries still attached – to keep the bears busy and well-fed.
“It’s wonderful to see them follow their instincts after years of captivity,” the team said. “But their appetite is enormous, and they’re not fussy. Hawthorn, hazel, willow… if it’s leafy and tasty, they’ll strip it in minutes. If anyone on the Island can spare any hawthorn, hazel or willow branches, Benji and Balu would be very grateful!”
To find out more: Tel: 01983 403883 or email enquiries@wildheartanimalsanctuary.org