A brown bear,identified as JJ4 or Gaia,responsible for a fatal attack on a jogger in the Italian Alps in 2023,has successfully arrived in Germany adn is now settling into her new,secure sanctuary.
The bear’s journey concluded early this morning at the Alternative Wolf and Bear Park in Germany’s Black forest, where she has been placed in a specially constructed, high-security enclosure.
Park staff reported that Gaia’s transfer from Italy was smooth, with the bear reportedly eating and exhibiting calm behavior upon arrival. she is currently resting in her transport crate, a measure recommended by veterinarians, before being allowed to explore her new surroundings.
Gaia was sedated for the transfer, and the team ensured she had fully regained consciousness before commencing the journey. The park plans to gradually introduce her to her new habitat, starting with a preliminary enclosure later today, with the ultimate goal of releasing her into the main, secure area depending on her disposition.
The incident occurred in April 2023 on a popular hiking trail in Trentino-Alto adige, Italy. following the attack, Gaia was captured and held near Trento. While regional authorities initially ordered her euthanasia, animal welfare organizations successfully intervened, halting the decree through legal channels.
The transfer, initially slated for 2024, was delayed due to construction challenges for the €1 million enclosure, which was funded entirely by donations. Heavy rainfall in the region hampered the building process.
The exact date of Gaia’s departure from Italy was kept confidential to preempt potential protests.
Gaia’s mother, Jurka, has resided at the same sanctuary since 2010.
In a move to avoid confusion and to distance the bear from her past, Gaia will be renamed, as another wolf at the sanctuary shares the same name. A park spokesperson emphasized the desire not to “exhibit her as a ‘killer bear’.”
Her new living space is designed for maximum security, featuring public shielding, an electric fence, comprehensive camera surveillance, and anti-digging measures to ensure her containment.
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