Established in 2005, open for the public in 2008, located in the forest on the hill when entering Zărnești City, 2 km from the National Road 73A Râșnov – Zărnești – Sibiu, LiBEARty Sanctuary from Zărnești, with a surface of 69 hectares, is the first nature reserve for captive bears in Romania.
Libearty Sanctuary was created in memory of she-bear Maya and nowadays hosts more than 100 bears, all saved from a cruel and abusive life in captivity.
“Libearty” Bear Sanctuary is not a zoo!
The relation between humans and bears
The Minister of Environment, Graţiela Gavrilescu paid a working visit to „Libearty” Bear Sanctuary in Zărneşti, because here were brought the bears that were accident victims on public roads, orphan bears found in the woods and „garbage” bears prowling the touristic areas and endangering people’s lives. On this occasion, the Minister declared that the relation between humans and bears must be regulated because we are attracting the bears closer and closer to us. A reason for that is us throwing food waste, thus drawing the animal towards us. This is the reason for which we can see them on the public domain.
The Sanctuary, a tourist attraction
„The City Hall and the Local Council are supporting Liberty Sanctuary and we are lucky to have such a Sanctuary in Zărnești. It is important that the bears are well taken care of here, well fed and thet can walk at ease. The Sanctuary is also a tourist attraction.
The bears must not be used for entertainment purposes. Unfortunately, bears change their behaviour”. declared Alexandru Igrișan, the Mayor of Zărnești City.
Visiting rules
Cristina Lapis, the President of the „Association Millions of Friends” declared: „For safety reasons, for a good progress of the visits in the Sanctuary and for bear welfare, Libearty Sanctuary Zărnești does not accept children under five. At most 50 persons will be accepted for each tour for bears’ and visitors’ comfort! During officially declared holidays over the week, the weekend fares shall be applied.
Additional relations: facebook.com/Bear.Sanctuary
Ileana Gafton DRAGOȘ
