A Sanctuary Built on Love, Not Spectacle

Though Jimmy can’t roam the wild, the Kowalcziks ensure he enjoys a full, peaceful life. “You can go in and lay down with him, and he’ll pull you right in,” says Mr. Kowalczik, describing the bear’s gentle, affectionate nature. At the Orphaned Wildlife Center, no animal is forced to perform or entertain visitors — the sanctuary isn’t open to the public, and the priority is always the animals’ well-being.

Jimmy and the ten other bears living there enjoy spacious enclosures, daily care, and meals that suit their natural appetites. Each bear eats around 25 to 30 pounds of food daily — a mix of fruits, vegetables, and meats — and they all share one favorite treat: peanuts. Watching them crack open shells and spit out the husks is a simple reminder of the wild instincts they still carry.

For Jimmy, this sanctuary represents far more than a home — it’s a symbol of safety, compassion, and second chances. While he may never walk the forests as a wild bear, he lives surrounded by love and respect, protected from harm and free from fear.

The Kowalcziks’ tireless work reminds us that true care for wildlife isn’t about ownership or display — it’s about giving animals the dignity and peace they deserve. Through their compassion, they’ve created a place where creatures like Jimmy can live out their days not just surviving, but thriving — loved, valued, and forever safe.