Bear Sanctuary Belitsa

The Bear Sanctuary Belitsa was founded in 2000 as a joint initiative between international animal welfare organisations to rescue bears that had been subjected to the practice of “dancing,” which involved training and keeping bears in captivity under harsh conditions for public entertainment. This practice was common across parts of the Balkans, including Bulgaria, Serbia, and Albania, until it was officially banned in Bulgaria in 1998. The sanctuary was created to provide long-term care and rehabilitation for these animals in a more natural and protected forest environment.

Set in the Rila Mountains near Belitsa, the sanctuary offers large enclosures designed to simulate natural habitats, allowing the bears to roam freely, forage, and recover from years of captivity. Since its establishment, it has rescued numerous bears, with the last known “dancing bear” being brought to the facility in 2007. The project is managed in cooperation with international organisations, including Four Paws and the Fondation Brigitte Bardot, and serves both as a conservation facility and an educational centre promoting animal welfare awareness.

https://www.bearsanctuary-belitsa.org/bg 

Consult website for opening times

https://www.bearsanctuary-belitsa.org/bg 

Consult website for ticket pricing and availability