According to the Humane Society of the United States, two bears have found their forever homes! 6½-year-old mama bear named Jackie and her 1½-year-old cub Russell are safe at the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch in Murchison, Texas.

The family was rescued after becoming too comfortable with humans in California, a situation that was unsafe for the humans and Jackie and Russell. After two relocation attempts, the bears are safe forever in their new home.

Noelle Almrud, director of the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch, said, “Jackie and Russell can now safely live out their days here with no human interference. They are thriving—exploring their one-acre habitat, climbing trees, splashing in their pool and foraging in the leaves and grass. The duo already has their favorite trees—the huge oaks with plenty of branches for exploring. They can see and hear the other sanctuary resident bears—Sammi and Eve—in their own nearby habitats and their caregivers hear them all making calls to one another. It is an amazing happily ever after.”

Footage Courtesy of Humane Society of the United States

 

Jackie and Russell are also a lesson to people that get too close to animals. “Wild animals are victims of humans encroaching on their world. Jackie and Russell almost lost their lives because of it. We encourage communities to take simple steps to co-exist with bears, which can be as easy as better managing outdoor trash cans so that animals and people can stay safe and leave each other alone,” Almrud added.