Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park, near Ipswich, welcomes newest polar bear, Hope, from Peak Wildlife Park

Two polar bears who were companions at a Swedish zoo have been reunited at a Suffolk wildlife park.

Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park in Wherstead, near Ipswich, recently welcomed Hope, from Peak Wildlife Park, near Stoke-on-Trent.

Hope, alongside her cubs, Nanook and Noori, had been housed at Peak since August, having been transferred from Orsa Predator Park, in Sweden, when it shut down last year.

Nanook and Noori will remain at Peak Wildlife Park.

Hope joins the wildlife park’s existing polar bears, Ewa, her mother, Flocke and sister Tala. Ewa was saved in October while Flocke and Tala joined her in March.

Hope was a companion of Ewa at Orsa Predator Park – and their reunion was a cause for celebration for staff at Jimmy’s Farm.

Stevie Sheppard, park director, said: “Hope’s addition to our group is not just a joyous occasion but also a significant opportunity for scientific observation.

“This reunion could provide invaluable insights into the social structures of polar bears, helping us to enhance conservation efforts and ensure their survival.

“We look forward to observing the dynamic between Hope and her family and are optimistic about the contributions this reunion can make to ongoing research.”

Jimmy’s Farm’s four polar bears are housed in its Lost Land of the Tundra exhibit.

Shrinking polar ice caps due to a shortening polar ice season has plunged the species to the forefront of conservation efforts.

A spokesperson for Peak Wildlife Park said everyone at the park was sad to see Hope go.

“During her time here she captured the hearts of Animal Keepers and guests alike,” they said.

“Her move to Jimmy’s was always going to be the next part of her story, and we look forward to what the future holds for her.”