Be part of history: get involved with WSPA’s Big Bear Build
Feb 14, 2012
Today sees the launch of WSPA’s Big Bear Build, our brand new appeal asking WSPA supporters to help raise urgent funds to build captive bears a safe home.
Part of history
WSPA’s Big Bear Build is an exciting opportunity where WSPA supporters could help make history – by ending the cruel captivity of bears in Romania for good.No room to extend – until now
The WSPA-funded bear sanctuary in Romania is a wonderful, safe home for bears that have been rescued from appalling and tragic conditions. But the existing bear sanctuary is now full. We’ve reached maximum capacity of 60 bears, so we urgently need supporters’ help to build one final 80,000 square metre extension that will offer a safe, new home, large enough to house up to 25 bears still enduring cruel captivity in Romania.25 bears still in horrific captive conditions
We’ve received information from our local partners in Romania that there are still around 25 bears trapped in awful conditions. The information is closely guarded, because there’s a real danger the bears could be moved or even killed before we can rescue them.
Victor Watkins, WSPA’s Senior Wildlife advisor and bear expert, says, “The bears pace around cramped cages, kept as pets or tourist attractions at restaurants and run-down zoos. They suffer truly miserable lives – never having the chance to move freely, climb a tree or even hibernate.”
Special opportunity
The good news is that we’ve had 80,000 square metres of land donated next to the current sanctuary, but only with WSPA supporter’s help could we turn this a safe and suitable home for these bears to live free from suffering – build pools, hibernation dens, to protect them from harm.Ursula – 28 years in captivity
Ursula (pictured) is a female Asiatic bear who spent almost three decades of her life in a run-down zoo. Thanks to help from WSPA supporters, Ursula was rescued and brought to the WSPA-funded sanctuary where she now lives in her quiet forest enclosure, roaming among the trees and meadow areas – everything she missed in cruel captivity.
By supporting WSPA’s Big Bear Build today, WSPA supporters could help us build the final extension to the bear sanctuary and provide a safe home for those bears that continue to suffer horrific cruelty. For many, it’ll be the only hope they have of a life free from suffering.
Click here to find out more about WSPA’s Big Bear Build appeal
Connect with WSPA on:
