Donate for animal welfare - Help for bears, wolves and lynxes in need

The brown bear MYKHAILO lived for many years in a small, rusty cage on the grounds of a hotel complex as a tourist attraction. He suffered from malnutrition, broken teeth and serious physical and psychological damage. But rescue came at the end of 2023! After his initial treatment at BÄRENWALD Domazhyr [Four Paws], we were able to take him out of the war zone in May 2024 and bring him to the Alternative Bear Park Worbis. Here, MYKHAILO will finally start a new life in which he can simply be a bear.
 

The FOUNDATION for BEARS has been running the Worbis Alternative Bear Park in Thuringia since 1996 and the Black Forest Alternative Wolf and Bear Park since 2010. All the animals living there come from poor husbandry and are now allowed to roam, hide, dig dens, bathe and retire to hibernation.

STIFTUNG für BÄREN provides a home close to nature

Bears from poor husbandry are often behaviourally disturbed. In the outdoor enclosures, they can rediscover their instincts and natural behaviour. The foundation has been able to help over 50 bears in the two parks so far. Releasing the bears back into the wild is not an alternative. They are human-orientated and would always seek to get close to people, which inevitably leads to conflicts.

We also want animal lovers to be able to experience how mistreated, behaviourally disturbed animals find their way back to nature. In our didactic centres, they learn all about animal and species protection for bears, wolves and lynxes. There are also animal models, skins, skulls, teeth, paws and claws - normaly it's better not to get that close to a bear's paw.

The FOUNDATION for BEARS documents bear husbandry throughout Europe

We register abuses, signalise our willingness to take in bears and are on hand when animals need a new home. As specialists in animal-friendly bear facilities, we have already been able to help over fifty facilities worldwide. We also support research projects. Since the opening of the Alternative Bear Park in Worbis, biologists have completed over 23 dissertations and doctoral theses on the behaviour of bears and wolves at our facility. In 2003, international experts discussed the topic of behaviourally appropriate animal facilities. In 2006, the foundation organised a colloquium on the topic of bears, lynx and wolves in their habitats. Participants came from the Netherlands, Norway, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, France and Switzerland.

Whether in captivity or in the wild, animals have a right to be treated with respect and without suffering. We cannot save them all, but every life saved is worthwhile. Thanks to the support of selfless people, numerous fates have taken a happy turn. Every contribution counts! Together we can give these animals a second chance - a life they truly deserve. Help us to save wild animals from suffering and misery. Thank you for your support - in the name of the animals!