Bears in Poland
FOUR PAWS successfully ended the private keeping of bears in 2016
In 2012, the private keeping of bears was prohibited by law in Poland. At that time several bears were still living in appalling conditions in tiny cages within unlicensed zoos and other not species-appropriated facilities. Since there have been no adequate options to rehome those animals within the country, FOUR PAWS offered help to the authorities to work on a solution.
A major milestone
To end the private keeping of bears by relocating those animals within Poland itself, FOUR PAWS signed a cooperation agreement with the city of Poznań, which ended in November 2022. By signing the agreement, FOUR PAWS guaranteed funding for the construction of the most modern and spacious bear enclosure in Poland, at Zoo Poznań. At the same time, Zoo Poznań committed itself to apply the high FOUR PAWS quality standards during the construction phase as well as in the later management of the bear enclosure.
Timeline of activities
December 2016
With the rescue of bears Pietka & Wojtusia from the mini zoo Braniewo and their transfer to the LARGE BEAR ENCLOSURE at Zoo Poznań, FOUR PAWS ended the private keeping of bears in Poland.
April 2016
FOUR PAWS rescues bears Ewka und Gienia from mini zoo Braniewo and transfers them to LARGE BEAR ENCLOSURE in Zoo Poznań.
November 2013
FOUR PAWS rescues bears Wania, Misza und Borys from temporary keeping in a shelter for domestic animals in Korabiewice and transfers them to LARGE BEAR ENCLOSURE in Zoo Poznań.
July 2013
Start of construction work of LARGE BEAR ENCLOSURE in Zoo Poznań.
November 2012
FOUR PAWS signs a cooperation agreement with the city of Poznań with the aim to rescue the remaining seven brown bears illegally kept in Poland and to relocate them in the LARGE BEAR ENCLOSURE in Zoo Poznań.
May 2012
The private keeping of bears is prohibited by law in Poland!
In 2011
FOUR PAWS becomes aware of the bad keeping conditions of bears in Poland and rescues three bears and transfers them to BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz. One of them is the three-legged bear Michal from mini zoo Braniewo.
