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Wildlife Center Founder Tests Out 'New' Knee With Bear

The cofounder of a wildlife rescue center that houses numerous bears decided to test out his “new knee” following a recent operation, by playing around with one of the center’s large residents.

Jim Kowalczik can be seen in footage shared on March 24 playing around with Amy, a Syrian brown bear, at the Orphaned Wildlife Center in Otisville, New York.

Founded by Kowalczik, his wife Susan, and Kerry Clair in 2015, the center nurtures its animal residents in the hope they can be returned to the wild.

Clair told Storyful that prior to the video being shot Jim had only recently “had a total knee replacement” on his left knee. She added that his doctor’s orders were to exercise, walk regularly, and “avoid any trauma” to the knee.

This was Kowalczik’s second knee replacement, having had the same surgery on his right knee two years ago.

The center often shares videos and updates about the animals in its care to its YouTube channel and Facebook page. Credit: Orphaned Wildlife Center via Storyful