Jimmy the Bear: A Gentle Giant Thriving at the Orphaned Wildlife Center

At the Orphaned Wildlife Center in Middletown, New York, Marty and Debbie Kowalczik have devoted their lives to rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing permanent care for injured and orphaned wild animals. Spanning 100 acres of natural habitat, the sanctuary is home to a wide array of creatures, from foxes and raccoons to a remarkable collection of bears — including Kodiak, Syrian, and American black bears. Among them, one bear has captured the hearts of all who meet him: Jimmy.

Now 21 years old, Jimmy has spent his entire life at the center, having been born in captivity. Unlike many other animals, he cannot be returned to the wild. Raised entirely by humans from birth, Jimmy never developed the survival instincts necessary to live independently. Yet his extraordinary personality more than compensates for his inability to roam freely in the wilderness. Affectionate, calm, and social, he forms deep bonds with the caretakers who provide for him daily.

Towering over nine feet tall and weighing more than 1,500 pounds, Jimmy is an awe-inspiring figure. But beneath his massive frame lies a gentle and loving nature. He does not perform tricks or entertain visitors; instead, his presence radiates warmth and trust. The sanctuary emphasizes that his well-being comes before spectacle. “Jimmy doesn’t do any performing or tricks. He’s been with us since he was a cub, and he thrives in an environment of trust and care,” the center shared on social media.

The Orphaned Wildlife Center prioritizes rehabilitation and release whenever possible, but animals like Jimmy, who cannot survive in the wild, are given permanent homes. The sanctuary is not open to the public, and no animal is ever forced to perform. The focus is entirely on comfort, enrichment, and mental health. Jimmy and the ten other bears at the center enjoy expansive, naturalistic enclosures that allow them to move freely and express natural behaviors.

Their daily routine includes a carefully balanced diet, tailored to each bear’s needs, along with enrichment activities to stimulate both mind and body. Each bear consumes roughly 25 to 30 pounds of food per day, including fruits, vegetables, and meats. Peanuts remain a particular favorite, and watching the bears crack shells and discard husks is a charming reminder that their instincts endure despite life in captivity.

For Jimmy, the sanctuary is more than a home — it is a place of safety, compassion, and second chances. Though he will never roam the forests as a wild bear, he experiences a life filled with love, security, and dignity. Caretakers recount tender moments, such as lying beside him and feeling him gently pull them closer — a gesture of trust and warmth that underscores the profound bond between humans and animals nurtured through consistent care.

The Kowalcziks’ work exemplifies true wildlife stewardship. It is not about ownership or spectacle but about ensuring that animals live with dignity and the opportunity to thrive. Through their dedication, the sanctuary has become a place where animals like Jimmy experience not only survival but joy, comfort, and meaningful relationships. Here, residents are family members — valued, loved, and protected.

Jimmy’s story serves as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of compassionate care, patience, and understanding. At the Orphaned Wildlife Center, the message is clear: when humans commit to the welfare of animals with empathy and expertise, lives are not merely saved — they are enriched. Jimmy, the gentle giant, is thriving in the safety and love he deserves, embodying the sanctuary’s mission and the enduring impact of selfless devotion.