It was amazing to finally see the bears at the sanctuary after all our hard work trekking through the mountains.  I was really keen to see how WSPA is helping ’s bears and highlight how people can help with the next phase of the charity’s vital work there.

You can the film here http://www.wspa.org.uk/latestnews/2009/holby_city_star.aspx 

 It was made by WSPA supporter and professional wildlife film-maker Richard Hughes  shows the idyllic nature of daily life for some of the 45 bears now living at the sanctuary. 

In the film we also highlight the need for a third forest enclosure to be built at the sanctuary, that will become home for some 30 more bears, currently all suffering cruel captivity in illegal or substandard zoos around Romania.

WSPA urgently needs funds to transform a nine hectare forest area into a safe and secure sanctuary for these captive bears. Currently 45 former zoo bears are enjoying new lives at the sanctuary and WSPA estimates up to 30 more animals need rescuing around the country.

These bears are currently living in rusty old cages in rundown private zoos around the countryside, sometimes housed next to restaurants where the bear features as sad and lonely tourist attraction.

Food and water is often in short supply for these bears and they may have only a few feet of barren earth to pace about in.  Bears rescued from conditions like these are often starving and skinny, in need of urgent medical attention.

But there is hope for all the captive bears in as WSPA steps up its fundraising to build the new sanctuary enclosure.