Visiting Jimmy’s Farm again in May 2025

18.5.2025 by Pat Waldron

As our trip to Jimmy’s Farm on 12th May was only going to be a short 3 hour visit, we headed straight for the four polar girls at the far end of the park. (Stopping only to take the occasional photo on the way). We first spotted Ewa in the largest enclosure, laying on the grass at the side of the water. The other bears were nowhere to be seen so we assumed they were still in the house or had wandered into the wood.

After 10 minutes we glanced across to the small enclosure, (which is still quite large) and Flocke, Tala & Hope were lining up to climb out of the water. How we missed seeing them I do not know!

Flocke, Tala, Hope water

The three girls headed for the closed gate where they were then let into the main housing area. Hope was allowed to go through to Ewa in the larger enclosure and promptly went for a little swim. Flock & Tala had to stay in the small enclosure and wood area.

After speaking with the keeper, it seems that they are mixing it up a little and limiting the time that all four bears together…….mainly to give Ewa more ‘chilling out’ time. Ewa & Hope got on quite well together, perhaps because they knew each other from their time in Orsa Park? Although they didn’t interact, Ewa certainly looked more relaxed than on my previous visit and only gave Hope the occasional glance when she was nearby. The two both spent the time just chilling or on walkabout.

Hope

Beautiful Flocke

Flocke & Tala on the other hand were totally the opposite and it showed just how strong a bond they have with each other. Tala spent a lot of the time playing in the water and she was occasionally joined by mum Flocke.

Tala was in and out of the water so many times, she has so much energy, it was really lovely to see.

Tala in the water

They rolled around in the long grass and even went into the wood to feast on the new shoots.

Flocke

Tala

Flocke Tala Rolling and eating leaves

Tala was having so much fun on my visit, I lost count of the number of times she climbed out and went back in the water.

Tala playing

Tala is still as playful as ever and was having a great time playing with the white buoy on my recent visit.

The water in the enclosure has a steep bank around it and, at one point, Flocke did get quite anxious when she lost sight of Tala. They were at opposite ends of the water and walking around it in the same direction. Flocke went to the house, towards the wood, up the bank and she still couldn’t see Tala.

Eventually they found each other, they came across to the fence in front of us, Flocke sat down and let Tala suckle from mama’s milk bar……although I imagine it was running on empty! What a bond! …….