Michal was born in captivity in 2003 at the zoo Braniewo in Poland. He was initially living with four other bears but Michals mother and another bear fell sick and were euthanized in 2011. Before his rescue, he was kept under terrible conditions. His enclosure there was only 60 square meters and he spent his days sitting on concrete. At three years old, Michal lost his foreleg in a fight with another bear at the zoo. Displaying severe behavioural issues, he was limbing in circles for hours, probably looking for a way out of his concrete enclosure.

When FOUR PAWS rescued him from the zoo in September 2011, Michal was 8 years old.

A small door was the entrance to the sad home of Michal, a narrow angle behind the door complicated the rescue of Michal even more.

5 people were finally able to carry the bear out of his former home and have him examined. The front leg was x-rayed directly on site in the mobile bear ambulance to determine whether Michal had suffered permanent damage due to the one-sided strain on the front leg. Fortunately, his remaining foreleg was deemed healthy.

Once the health check had been completed, the journey back to BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz began, where Michal could begin his new life in freedom. When the transport finally reached BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz and the door of the transport box was opened, Michal was able to feel grass under his paws and behave like a bear for the first time.

Since his rescue in 2011, Michal now lives at our BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz. Since arriving at our sanctuary, Michal has shown incredible resilience and has undergone a remarkable transformation. From his small concrete cage, to a now enjoying swimming, digging holes, and playing with branches and sticks. He is living a much happier life, and his missing leg doesn't seem to hinder him much.

He loves swimming, digs holes, plays with branches and sticks and enjoys his life a lot. Michal has developed a great urge to move around as well as a very health appetite. At BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz he runs across the meadow and romps in the pond. We have not observed any concerning behaviour since he has been with us. He is quite fond of people and loves fish and honey.