The world’s loneliest bear is no longer lonely.

Jambolina spent all of the first 12 years of her life locked in a cage at a circus where she was tortured and forced to perform for the crowds, but has now been introduced to another bear for the first time ever after she was moved to an Alpine paradise which is currently her new home.

She was rescued from a Ukrainian circus by animal rights organisation Four Paws and relocated to The Arosa Bear Land in the Swiss Alps where she has finally met another bear, named Meimo, a male pal who has been residing in the same sanctuary ever since he was rescued from captivity from the Albanian city of Shkodra on 1st February 2019.

The Arosa Bear Land team reported they were satisfied with the bears’ spectacular encounter which took place in front of excited zoo keepers and bear fans on 22nd June 2021.

This is the first time Jambolina has ever socialized with another bear and happened after she was collected by Four Paws staff from the Ukraine and transported on a 2,400 km (1,500 miles) journey to her new home. The Arosa Bear Land reserve in the Arosa mountain range where she now lives is located in Switzerland.

The 12-year-old female bear was nervous and scared when she first woke up from hibernation and realised she was free to explore the outdoor area of the Alpine on 29th May 2021.

But after being extremely cautious at first, she soon adapted to her new surroundings and felt comfortable enough to take the next big milestone which according to the keepers was meeting Meimo.

Thus the two bears were officially introduced in front of a group of enthusiastic visitors at 11am on Tuesday on 22nd June 2021.

Scientific Director of The Arosa Bear Land Dr Hans Schmid told Newsflash that the two bears immediately developed a mutual interested and explained: “Jambolina seems to smell attractive, which arouses Meimo’s interest.”

According to Schmid, despite Jambolina’s shyness at first, it took only a few minutes for the two of them to bond and engage in a bear fight which corresponds to the natural behaviour of brown bears (Ursus arctos).

After their combat, Jambolina laid on her back which according to experts meant she feels comfortable and is familiar with the new situation.

The two then treated themselves with a bath in the cool water and then walked through the facility together.

Pleased by the success of the experiment Dr Schmid said: “You never know how the bears will react. For Jambolina this was the first direct contact with another bear which is a very special situation for her.”

Amelia who grew up in captivity along with Meimo and is the third bear residing The Arosa Bear Land was observing the encounter from her enclosure and will also be introduced to Jambolina soon.

The zookeepers from The Arosa Bear Land reported they will continue to observe the behaviour of the three bears.