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The Andean bears will be leaving Jersey Zoo next month, marking the end of a feature that has delighted visitors for around 50 years – but a host of bear-inspired activities have been organised to make their departure more bear-able.
The two bears – Quechua (Chui) and Bahia – will be leaving Jersey in November, as part of a move that Jersey Zoo said has been planned since the start of the year.
Chui and Bahia, who have been resident at the Zoo since 2013, will be moving to a new home at Knowsley Safari, where they will have the space to roam and explore in a larger enclosure.
Over the next few months, the Andean bear enclosure will be adapted to accommodate two new South American species, which the Zoo said have links to Durrell’s conservation work in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest.
Pictured: Chui and Bahia have been residents at Jersey Zoo for ten years.
Jersey Zoo described Chui and Bahia as "valuable contributors" to a special breeding programme working to protect their species.
This captive population, built up over the years by several zoos working together, will safeguard Andean bears. Chui and Bahia’s move to Knowsley Safari Park forms an important part of this programme.
Pictured: Jersey Zoo will be hosting a ‘Bye Bye Bears’ weekend on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 October.
Georgia Gotts, Team Leader of Mammals at Jersey Zoo, said: “It is always sad when we have to say goodbye to a species, especially a much-loved pair like Chui and Bahia.
"During their time in Jersey, they welcomed their son, Raymi, who was the first cub born at the zoo in over 20 years. Raymi has since gone on to have three cubs of his own at Givskud Zoo, which has given this threatened species a much-needed lifeline."
Jersey Zoo will be hosting a weekend of bear-inspired activities on 14 and 15 October, where visitors will be invited to come and say goodbye to Chui and Bahia.
The weekend's activites will include bear keeper talks, activity trails and face painting. There will also be a teddy bear’s picnic on both days.
"We would love to see as many visitors and members as possible at our ‘Bye Bye Bears’ weekend, so this fabulous duo gets the send-off they deserve," Georgia added.
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