It was a honey heist no one saw coming. In an unexpected twist at a UK wildlife park, two four-year-old bear siblings, Mish and Lucy, gave staff and visitors a brief scare—and then a chuckle—when they managed to escape their enclosure and head straight for what can only be described as a bear’s dream buffet: a week’s worth of honey.
The duo, both residents of the Wildwood Trust’s site in Ottery St Mary, Devon, went on a short-lived adventure that left no damage, only sticky paw prints and astonished park workers.
The event, while carefully managed and quickly resolved, has captured public attention for the humor and heartwarming nature of the bears’ mischief. The tale is not just about a bear escape—it’s about animal intelligence, rescue, and a bond between siblings that adds a unique charm to this wild story.
Two Bear Siblings Escape Enclosure
On a calm Monday afternoon, the peaceful environment at Wildwood was stirred by a scene that could have come straight from a cartoon. Mish and Lucy, the two brown bear siblings who have lived at the park since 2021, found their way out of their enclosure under circumstances now being thoroughly investigated. While escapes in zoos and wildlife parks are exceedingly rare thanks to strict security measures, this unusual incident has prompted staff and wildlife experts to review the site’s protocols.
Once outside, the bears didn’t run rampant or venture toward populated areas of the park. Instead, with an uncanny sense of direction, they made a direct line for the food store—clearly driven by instincts sharper than the park’s boundaries. There, they indulged in what staff described as “a selection of snacks,” with a special focus on the honey stores meant to last the week.
The escapade lasted roughly one hour. During this time, all park visitors were safely moved to a secure building as a precaution. The Wildwood Trust confirmed that at no point were the bears a threat to the public. In fact, Mish and Lucy appeared more interested in satisfying their sweet tooth than exploring further or causing any disruption.
CCTV footage shows one of two bears that escaped from their enclosure at a UK wildlife park and devoured a week's worth of food store honey before falling asleep. Siblings Mish and Lucy got out of their enclosure at Wildwood Devon in southwestern England on June 23.#honey #bears pic.twitter.com/5JHLIy0sB5
— HKeye (@HKeye_) June 25, 2025
Wildwood’s keeper team, trained for such contingencies, acted swiftly and efficiently. Using ground patrol and CCTV, they monitored the bears throughout their outing, ensuring their location and behavior were fully tracked. Interestingly, the event ended almost as peacefully as it began—Mish and Lucy, their hunger and curiosity satisfied, simply returned to their enclosure and took a nap.
Meet Mish and Lucy: From Snowdrift to Sanctuary
The story of Mish and Lucy begins far from Devon, in the rugged and unforgiving mountains of Albania. As cubs, the two were found abandoned by their mother in a snowdrift, a dire situation for any wild animal. Rescued by conservationists, the young bears were initially candidates for reintroduction into the wild. But despite several attempts, it became clear they lacked the necessary skills to survive on their own.
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Recognizing their need for long-term care and a safe habitat, the Wildwood Trust launched a fundraising campaign in 2020. The effort was successful, enabling the siblings to be brought to the UK. Their first stop was Wildwood’s Kent park, where they spent six months adjusting to their new environment. Then, in 2021, they were transferred to Wildwood Devon—their “forever home.”
The bond between the two bears has been evident from the start. While Mish is known for his playful antics, often splashing in the pool or swinging in hammocks, Lucy prefers climbing trees and staying close to her brother. Their personalities, though distinct, complement each other, making them a favorite among both staff and visitors.
Their daily routine includes consuming large quantities of food—berries, fruits, vegetables, seeds, fish, and meat—along with the occasional treat of honey. Their nutritional needs reflect their size and energy levels, but it’s clear that honey holds a special place in their dietary preferences, as evidenced by their escape route.
Safety, Protocols, and Public Response
Following the escape, the Wildwood Trust was quick to reassure the public. A spokesperson confirmed that the bears were continuously monitored and that safety measures were promptly enacted. Visitors were never in danger, and the incident was handled with professionalism and calm by the staff.
Police were called to the scene in accordance with standard wildlife escape protocol, but their presence was not required for long. Once the bears were back in their enclosure and resting, the priority shifted to investigating the breach. Whether it was a door left unsecured, a structural flaw, or an act of clever bear engineering remains to be determined. The park has confirmed that the exhibit is now fully secure and that steps are being taken to ensure such an escape cannot happen again.
The public response has been overwhelmingly positive. While the idea of wild animals escaping can often stir fear, the nature of this incident has sparked laughter and affection instead. On social media, the story quickly went viral, with users dubbing the bears everything from “sugar bandits” to “honey hooligans.” Memes and jokes abounded, and the park has since seen a spike in interest from curious visitors eager to meet the now-famous siblings.
Beyond the humor, the incident has also raised awareness about the plight of rescued wildlife and the importance of conservation work. Mish and Lucy’s journey from the snowy mountains of Albania to the rolling hills of Devon is a testament to the dedication of conservationists and the value of sanctuaries that offer animals a second chance at life.
In the end, the tale of Mish and Lucy is one of resilience, curiosity, and the unbreakable bond between siblings. Their hour-long escape at Wildwood may have briefly disrupted daily operations, but it also brought a moment of levity to those who followed the story. It reminded the public that animals, like humans, have personalities, preferences, and the occasional desire for adventure.
As the investigation continues into how the bears managed their daring break, park officials remain committed to both animal welfare and public safety. Mish and Lucy, meanwhile, appear unbothered by the attention, returning to their usual routines—minus any additional unauthorized snacking.
For now, the incident will be remembered not as a security failure, but as a charming anecdote in the lives of two bears who simply couldn’t resist the call of honey. And for the staff at Wildwood Devon, it serves as a reminder that even in the best-managed wildlife parks, life can still surprise you—in the most un-bear-lievable ways.