After thousands of years... brown bears are back Ireland.
This time, at the
Wild Ireland wildlife sanctuary in Burnfoot, Co. Donegal.
The 23-acre sanctuary in Inishowen has yet again opened to the public after having had to close their doors due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Killian McLaughlin, the owner and brains behind Wild Ireland, spoke to the
Irish Mirror last year ahead of the park's opening, and explained how it was always his mission to fill the sanctuary with animals that had been rescued from dangerous or unsuitable places.
“I worked with three major international charities to find the animals that needed rehoming,” McLaughlin explained.
“Our brown bears were kept in horrendous conditions in Lithuania. The charity Bears in Mind confiscated them from a private mini-zoo where they were being kept behind bars in a small dirty concrete cage. Here, we’ve created a fantastic home for them with a forest and pool and they have adapted beautifully."
The animal lover also reveals how Naoise, the park's Lynx, had never felt grass under her paws before.
"When she came out of her box she was totally overwhelmed."
The latest resident of Wild Ireland is a beautiful golden eagle, as well as six beautiful baby boarlets, who were born during lockdown.
And if you take the trip, make sure you don't miss Oisín, Finn & Fergus, the three wolves – who are no doubt howling with anticipation, waiting to greet their visitors for the first time in months.
These days, if you are planning a visit, please note all tickets have to be booked in advanced. You can find out more information and check availability here.
