28/03/2011

Bear Gap Year Volunteer Projects in Romania

Take a gap year in Romania and help to give abused bears the chance at life in the wild by volunteering at an animal sanctuary in Romania. The sad death of Knut the polar bear has sparked debate throughout the animal welfare world. Knut was born in Berlin Zoo in 2006. Rejected by his mother, he was hand reared and cared for in an incubator. His short life was keenly watched by the world - he became an instant tourist attraction and boosted ticket sales to Berlin zoo dramatically. His sudden death at the weekend has led debate about whether it was this cruel life in captivity that prompted it. Polar bears usually live to the age of 30.

It is a widely held belief that zoos are not the environment in which wild animals should be allowed to exist. Across the world you see charities hard at work, striving to free wild animals from the clutches of humans, desperate to make money from them.

This is the case in Romania, where circus bears, dancing bears and bears as tourist attractions outside hotels and restaurants in cages was completely legal until 2007, when Romania joined the EU. The WSPA worked hard to create a sanctuary for all of these bears, born into captivity and stripped of their capacity to live and survive in the wild.

The sanctuary is located in lush woodland in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. Home to over 50 bears, rescued from lives of abuse and misery, it is a haven and lifeline. The bears are finally given the chance to roam free and to live a life as close to the wild as is possible.

Work is ongoing to create more space for the 30 bears in Romania known to still need help. To take part in this important mission with Oyster Worldwide and to actually work with these bears, giving them the opportunity for a life that they deserve, you can volunteer here. Get involved in monitoring the bears, preparing their food and feeding them.

For more information please email Anne at anne@oysterworldwide.com or call 01892 770771.


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Romania: Bear Sanctuary Volunteering