Парк за танцуващи мечки, Bear sanctuary in Belitsa, Bulgaria.
The sanctuary is a 12-hectare facility in the Rila Mountains at approximately 1200 meters elevation, where rescued bears live in natural forest surroundings. The terrain provides ample space for animals to dig, climb, and explore as they would in their natural habitat.
The facility was established in 2000 through a partnership between Four Paws Foundation, Brigitte Bardot Foundation, and Belitsa Municipality. This creation responded to Bulgaria's long history of bears being abused and exploited for public entertainment.
This sanctuary represents a major shift in Bulgarian animal welfare by ending centuries of bears being used for street performances. Visitors today see animals living in conditions where they can act out natural behaviors they would have in the wild.
Visitors can join guided tours and explore the grounds independently; sturdy footwear is essential due to forest paths and uneven terrain. Warmer months offer the best experience, with easier ground access and more active bears.
Each of the more than 20 bears has its own area with natural features like tree stumps and streams where it can dig and bathe again. These individual spaces let animals rediscover skills lost during years in captivity.
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