At Sustainable Action Now, we champion every paw print on the path to freedom — especially when those paws belong to bears who have endured lives of hardship, injury, or neglect. Today, we bring you two inspiring stories from our global partners at FOUR PAWS, showcasing not only the resilience of animals but also the tireless efforts of caretakers, veterinarians, and supporters dedicated to wildlife welfare.
These stories are more than just updates — they represent a movement toward compassionate, sustainable action. From sanctuary pools to custom-built enclosures for blind bears, this is what real-world rescue looks like in action.
👉 Explore more from our Rescue Network
Michal the Three-Legged Bear Shows Off His Summer Survival Skills
While many of us are searching for ways to stay cool this summer — a refreshing swim, a cold shower, or a lazy float on the lake — Michal, a clever and resilient three-legged bear, already has his favorite heat-beating routine down to a science. 🐻☀️💦
Residing at BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz in Germany, Michal doesn’t let his physical limitations slow him down. Despite missing a limb, his spirit is unbreakable — and his appreciation for a good bath is something we can all relate to.
Each day, especially during the warmer months, Michal enjoys at least one long, luxurious dip in his sanctuary’s pool. This isn’t just a way to stay cool; it’s a vital part of his overall well-being. Water-based enrichment offers both mental stimulation and physical relief for animals like Michal, who may have joint or mobility issues due to past trauma or injuries.
His story reminds us of the power of adaptation, and the importance of providing sanctuary animals with environments that allow them to live life on their terms — safely, peacefully, and joyfully.
🐾 Want to help more bears like Michal thrive? Learn how you can get involved through our Rescue Network
Building a Home for a Nearly Blind Bear: Dunbar’s Journey to Sanctuary
Far from the soothing waters of Müritz, another bear is preparing for a life-changing journey. Dunbar, a 20-year-old bear living in Azerbaijan, is almost completely blind — and he’s finally on the path to a safe, species-appropriate forever home.
After enduring years in unsuitable conditions and suffering from a painful eye condition, Dunbar’s right eye was surgically removed in March 2024 by a team of wildlife veterinarians from FOUR PAWS. His remaining eye can only detect shadows, which means he faces unique challenges that most sanctuaries are not equipped to handle.
But the team at BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach in Austria stepped up in a big way.
Thanks to a recent sanctuary expansion, a specialized enclosure has been created just for bears like Dunbar — those with disabilities who need extra care, safety, and sensory consideration. Here’s what his new life will include:
🏡 Initial Adaptation Enclosure (135 m²)
- Soft, natural soil perfect for gentle digging
- A quiet den with straw bedding
- Calm space for rest after air and ground transport from Azerbaijan
- A stress-free environment for quarantine and medical monitoring
🌳 Full Outdoor Habitat (2,200 m²)
- Two ponds: one large with varied depths and a smaller one for cautious exploration
- Digging mounds for mental and physical engagement
- Tree coverage and forest floor terrain for a naturalistic feel
- Open roaming space designed for safety and confidence building
What makes Dunbar’s new enclosure so special is that every feature is tailored for him. Rehabilitation will proceed entirely at his pace, with caretakers focusing on trust-building before introducing any training or enrichment activities. There’s no rush — just respect, patience, and love.
💚 Support Dunbar’s journey and read more about his rescue here: Dunbar’s Story
Why Sanctuaries Matter — and How You Can Help
The stories of Michal and Dunbar highlight the very essence of what sustainable animal welfare should look like. Beyond simply rescuing animals from abuse or neglect, sanctuaries like Müritz and Arbesbach provide long-term, individualized care — prioritizing emotional healing, comfort, and natural behaviors.
At Sustainable Action Now, we’re proud to support the work of organizations that align with our mission to promote compassionate, ethical, and sustainable treatment of animals. Through our Rescue Network, we help raise awareness and direct resources to critical rescue and sanctuary efforts around the world.
Take Action Today
Whether it’s a bear basking in a sanctuary pool or one cautiously navigating his first moments of peace, each life matters — and each story is a reminder of the power we all have to make a difference.
🌿 Donate to help animals in need
🗣️ Share these stories to raise awareness
🧭 Learn more about sustainable rescue initiatives through our Rescue Network
Let’s continue building a world where no animal is left behind — where every Michal can cool off in peace, and every Dunbar gets the second chance he deserves.
#SustainableActionNow #BearRescue #FOURPAWS #RescueNetwork #HelpForBearsInNeed #SanctuaryLife #EthicalWildlifeCare #MichalTheBear #DunbarTheBear #AnimalAdvocacy
