Life at the Orphaned Wildlife Center is designed around balance—nurturing both the physical and emotional well-being of its residents. Jimmy and the other ten bears at the sanctuary enjoy spacious, naturalistic habitats where they can explore, play, and rest without restriction. Each enclosure is tailored to mirror the forest environment, giving the animals freedom to move and behave as they would in the wild.
Daily routines at the sanctuary are centered on individualized care. Each bear consumes roughly 25 to 30 pounds of food a day, including fruits, vegetables, and meat, ensuring they receive proper nutrition. Among their favorite treats are peanuts—an irresistible snack that brings moments of playfulness as they crack the shells and discard the husks. These simple yet meaningful behaviors remind the caretakers that even animals raised in captivity retain parts of their natural instincts.
For Jimmy, the sanctuary represents more than just safety; it is a place of belonging. Caretakers recount moments of quiet connection, such as lying beside him and feeling him gently pull them closer, a sign of complete trust. These interactions speak to the extraordinary relationship between humans and animals—a connection built not on dominance or training but on patience and respect.
The Kowalcziks’ devotion stands as a model for ethical wildlife care. Their work emphasizes that compassion, not control, defines the bond between humans and the creatures they protect. The sanctuary is not open to the public, ensuring that every decision made is for the benefit of the animals, not human entertainment. Each life there—whether bear, fox, or bird—is treated as an individual, deserving of peace and dignity.
Through decades of tireless effort, Marty and Debbie have proven that love and empathy can reshape what it means to care for wildlife. Jimmy’s story serves as a living testament to that truth. Though he will never roam the wild forests of his ancestors, he lives surrounded by warmth, security, and the unwavering care of those who see him not just as an animal, but as family. In his sanctuary home, Jimmy thrives—not in freedom, but in the safety of a love that never wavers.