Libearty Bear Sanctuary

Libearty Bear Sanctuary is the biggest brown bear sanctuary from Europe. Opened in 2005, the Libearty Bear Sanctuary is the largest animal welfare project in Europe, a corner of heaven for mistreated bears. The bears in the sanctuary were rescued from a cruel and abusive life in captivity, each bear having an impressive story. "Libearty" is currently home to over 130 bears, and is recognized as the most ethical sanctuary in the world, spread over an area of 70 hectares of oak forest with trees where bears climb, and pools where bears splash, with proper nutrition according to the diets of veterinarians.

The Libearty Bear Sanctuary is situated on a 70 acre oak and hazel woodland in the Carpathian Mountains above the Transylvanian town of Zarnesti near Brasov.

The bears explore on the greenery, climb trees, and swim in the pools here. Since many of them were captured in the wild as cubs, this is a novel and energising experience for them. There are hundreds of trees with lush, natural vegetation in these forested locations, along with enormous freshwater lakes, hibernation dens, and other wildlife.

Zarnesti's Sanctuary is not a zoo. It is a pretty enjoyable experience, and kids will enjoy it too. Definitely worth a visit and a great tour to see the fantastic work these caretakers do, if you can get there.

Only guided tours in Romanian and/or English are available for visitors to the sanctuary. The tours are lead in 40-person maximum groups. Depending on the season, the visiting schedule changes.