Born Free Foundation - Keep Wildlife in the Wild

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Plans afoot to relocate Berlin bears

16 July 2010

Categories: Homepage News, Zoo Check Campaign News, Bears Campaign News

Following months of pressure on German officials from the Born Free Foundation, Animal Public, other animal welfare organisations, citizens and tourists about two European Brown bears contained within a bear pit in a public park in Berlin, Born Free are pleased to convey that there have been reports in German press that the two bears are to be relocated to a sanctuary.  Schnute and Maxi, housed in the limiting bear pit since their birth, 1981 and 1986 respectively, have very little room to roam and enrichment is significantly limited.  Since the bear pit is a listed building in Germany, it cannot be altered or improved and therefore, Born Free feels there is no reason not to move the bears and are encouraging the bears’ relocation to a suitable sanctuary. 

We are therefore very encouraged to hear that the German authorities are making plans to move the two bears to a German bear sanctuary where they will get the care they need.  The plight of these two bears has caught the imagination of the public in Germany and overseas and over 1100 people have joined the Facebook group and many Born Free supporters have written letters of concern.  In addition, a German website has created a poll for the relocation of the bears (Click here to vote) and the results are clear, with 90% in favour of the relocation of the bears from Berlin to a more suitable home.

The Born Free Foundation wishes to thank everyone who has supported this campaign so far and we will endeavour to keep you informed with any further developments.