Jimmy the Bear — The Gentle Giant Who Wins Every Heart

At the Orphaned Wildlife Center in Middletown, New York, a devoted couple, Marty and Debbie Kowalczik, have built a life centered entirely around compassion, responsibility, and respect for the creatures who depend on them. For decades, they have welcomed injured and orphaned wildlife onto their 100-acre sanctuary, offering rehabilitation, safety, and, when possible, a path back to the wild. The land itself is peaceful and expansive, filled with trees, natural water sources, and quiet spaces where animals can recover without fear. Among all the species that have passed through their care, the bears—Kodiak bears, American black bears, and Syrian bears—have become the true icons of the center. And within this remarkable group, one gentle giant has become a favorite among everyone who encounters his story: Jimmy.