Dancing Bears Rehabilitation Park

History

In the past, wild bears in Bulgaria have been cruelly tortured and trained to perform as 'Dancing Bears'. Thankfully, this practice is now illegal, and these bears are being liberated and given the chance to live in the wild, free of their tormentors.

The Four Paws Foundation started the struggle against the torment of bears in Bulgaria in 1999. The project, named "Dancing Bear Park Belitsa" was launched in May 2000. The brown bears named Mariana, Stefan and Kalinka were the first dwellers of the park in October 2000. In March 2001, the bear Stanka arrived; Gosho and Bobby (see picture) joined her in June. The park gives them the opportunity to live like free bears.

You can Meet All The Bears at the Four Paws website.

Location and Opening Times

The park is located in an idyllic region some 30km from Bansko, covered with forests, glades and natural waters.

Guided tours are available every day on the hour when the park is open (from April through November). The park opens at 10am, and closes at 6pm in the Spring (April-May), at 8pm in the Summer (June-September), and at 4pm in the Autumn (October-November).

Further Information

Visit the Four Paws International website, and the Four Paws Bulgaria homepage.