Jimmy's Farm polar bear near Ipswich with new friends

Rescued European brown bear Diego, weighing in at an impressive 360kg, has recently gone on view to the public in his large, wooded enclosure complete with bathing pool. 

Diego enjoying his pool (Image: John Boyle)

Diego explores the woods (Image: Laura Manning)

The park which is a regional centre of excellence for the conservation of British native breeds and exotic species also has three Polar bears.

Ewa's new best friends, Flocke and Tala (Image: John Boyle)

Mother and daughter Flocke and Tala have recently joined Ewa, another rescued animal who arrived at her forever home in Suffolk in October last year.

After a couple of weeks in adjacent compounds, the three female polar bears were allowed to share a spacious enclosure under supervision.

Ewa enjoying her forever home (Image: John Boyle)

The three large carnivores got on so well that they are now living together. 

During my recent visit to photograph the new arrivals, the unbridled joy that the polar bears displayed whilst cavorting in their huge lakes was heartwarming if unsurprising.

Flocke is on a roll (Image: John Boyle)

They can swim for days at a time without taking a break if necessary.

Tala body boarding (Image: John Boyle)

More unexpectedly 13-year-old brown bear Diego is also fond of the water and can regularly be seen taking the plunge in his pool. 

Suffolk’s new celebrity animals are certainly making a splash at Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park.