Jurka - brown bear limited edition by Kosen - 29cm

Kösen's ongoing partnerships with organisations that rescue endangered animals has led to the creation of limited edition bears inspired by real animal stories. Jurka the brown bear is made to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of The Alternative Wolf & Bear Park in the Black Forest in Germany. 

Jurka was the first bear introduced to the park in 2010. Her son Bruno, known as 'The Problem Bear', earnt worldwide notoriety in 2006 with his travels and exploits in Austria and Germany. He was believed to be the first brown bear on German soil in 170 years. After the initial excitement at seeing this endangered species, locals began to feel threatened after attacks on farm animals, which led the government to order hunters to shoot him. Public objection resulted in the order's revision, meaning the German government tried to use non-lethal means to capture him. Unfortunately Bruno became known for his bloodthirsty behaviour and after failed attempts to capture him, he was sadly shot. Bruno's younger brother was also shot in 2008 following similar behaviour. As a result, Jurka was put into captivity in Italy following the death of her sons despite protests. She is easily identifiable by the distinctive scar on her nose. Her move to the Black Forest in 2010 enabled her to roam freely within her enclosure giving her a much better quality of life as she approaches old age. 

After being sketched, photographed and studied, Jurka has been brought to life in over 40 individual pieces of the highest quality plush and is filled with special polyester fibres to give her a lovely soft feel. She has beautifully airbrushed foot pads and and her distinguishing scar on her nose is embroidered in light thread.

Jurka is limited to only 300 pieces worldwide and comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity. 

• Size: 29cm / 11.5 inches
• Unjointed
• Age: 14+
• Surface washable
• CE mark

Kösen has produced toys in Bad Kösen in Germany since 1912. The company produces high quality lifelike animals, which are regarded by connoisseurs of all ages as some of the finest in the world. Their creations are all based on the intensive study of real animals. The design process involves creating clay models from drawings of the real animals. The company has won many design awards, which reflect the quality of design and craftsmanship.