New ‘hibernation record’ at DANCING BEARS PARK Belitsa!
A little sensation has occurred at DANCING BEARS PARK Belitsa underlining the efficient work at the Bulgarian FOUR PAWS sanctuary. 26 out of the 27 former dancing bears living there are hibernating this winter – the best sign to prove that the animals are doing well and that their living conditions match their natural needs. Never before have they been so numerous: the previous ‘top mark’ was reached in the last winter when 19 out of then 24 inhabitants were in hibernation.
Elena taken by surprise – Early debut of new arrivals
 Even though the FOUR PAWS staff has built artificial dens again, in order to offer an alternative to those bears that have not fully developed their instincts for digging their own dens, most of the animals have done the job themselves. Only the fragile, fair-haired Elena was taken by surprise by the sudden cold. When it became evident that she was in danger of falling asleep in the open, FOUR PAWS team members quickly built a shed covered with straw for the 20-year-old animal. Elena was feeling comfortable in it straightaway, and fell asleep almost immediately. Also the three new Serbian arrivals Natasha, Seida and Milena undertook their first go at hibernating in their lives. Considering that many bears needed several years to recover their natural instincts, this is extraordinary proof for the good work at DANCING BEAR PARKS Belitsa.
Debate on keeping conditions in Bulgarian zoos
The only bear who showed no endeavour to go into hibernation was Lady M, who is already 31 years old, spending her third winter at DANCING BEAR PARKS Belitsa. She is also the only inhabitant of the FOUR PAWS sanctuary who was rescued from a zoo. This draws conclusions as to the missing of minimal standards at Bulgaria’s zoos which are being backed up by recent research. FOUR PAWS is pressing the authorities to broadly improve on the legal requirements.
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