At the core of our mission at Sustainable Action Now is a simple belief: rescue is only the beginning. Through the Rescue Network we document the real‑world outcomes of rescue, rehabilitation and sanctuary care—and today we bring you three remarkable stories of bears who moved from suffering to thriving thanks to compassion, hard work and creativity.
Felix: A New Life After Decades of Captivity
When Felix was born in 1991, his early years might have held promise. But for decades he lived confined in a small concrete enclosure beside a busy road in Slovenia, his life reduced to a roadside attraction for restaurant guests. The contrast between that grim reality and where he is now couldn’t be more stark.
In May 2025 Felix boarded the most important journey of his life—his relocation to BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach. At last, he was freed from that concrete cell and given the space, care and dignity every bear deserves. His new habitat is spacious, enriched, and safe: he now explores, swims with joy, and indulges in naturalistic treats. His appetite is strong and he is smartly packing on the pounds ahead of winter.
The transformation is profound. Whereas his prior life was one of confinement and minimal stimulation, his life now is full of motion, exploration and the simple pleasures of being a bear. Felix’s recovery is a living example of how targeted rescue campaigns, motivated ownership change and thoughtful sanctuary design can reverse decades of neglect.
Flora: Preparation Begins While Rescue Awaits
Flora’s story is still unfolding—but the groundwork is already being laid for her future. She remains in Albania, living under dreary conditions with little access to play, variety or comfort. Meanwhile, at BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz the care team is in full motion: preparing an entirely new habitat, designing custom enrichment, and building a safe environment from scratch that will offer her climbing, digging, rolling, foraging, sleeping and simply being a bear again.
The “Get Ready With Us” series gives an insider look: fire hoses and tyres recycled into swings, new play structures crafted by keepers, and every detail shaped to meet Flora’s needs. Although the rescue is not yet complete, the care and anticipation are tangible—and when Flora arrives, she will step into a world of possibility, restoration and bear‑centered care that was unimaginable in her former life.
Supporters are invited to help ensure Flora’s transition succeeds; every rescue campaign matters and every donation accelerates the moment when she can finally leave neglect behind.
Halloween Enrichment: When Rescue Centers Make Play a Priority
Rescue and rehabilitation are essential—but so is joy. At our Sanctuary partners, caring for bears goes beyond survival. It includes enrichment, expression and fun. Recently, onsite teams crafted a Halloween‑themed celebration for the animals: pumpkin playtime, surprises, playful textures and sensory experiences designed to stimulate curiosity, play and emotional well‑being.
These efforts are more than festive—they reflect an understanding that mental and physical enrichment are integral to long‑term recovery. For bears like Felix and Flora, it means reclaiming their playful side, embracing natural behaviours and engaging with the world in a new way.
Why These Stories Matter
Each of these narratives—Felix’s liberation, Flora’s rescue preparation, and the Halloween enrichment—illustrates key themes in what we call “sanctuary‑based rescue”:
- The importance of removing animals from inappropriate conditions, whether roadside confinement or neglectful housing.
- The value of preparing the future habitat: space, enrichment, autonomy and comfort make the difference between mere survival and thriving.
- The role of human advocacy: public campaigns, awareness‑raising, funding, design and committed caretakers are the lynchpin.
- The lasting impact of play, mental stimulation and natural behaviours in recovery—not just physical health, but emotional flourishing.
What You Can Do
Rescue and sanctuary care rely on action—on individuals, organisations and communities who refuse to accept abuse, neglect or inaction. Here’s how you can help:
- Support rescue campaigns: Whether it’s Felix’s relocation or Flora’s upcoming rescue, donations and advocacy accelerate change.
- Raise awareness: Share the stories of these animals. When more people know, more people care—and more pressure builds for change.
- Engage with sanctuaries: Many sanctuary partners host behind‑the‑scenes updates, enrichment videos and education about bear behaviour.
- Advocate locally: Rescue doesn’t happen in isolation. Press for improved animal welfare regulations, stronger enforcement and community accountability.
Every bear we highlight is more than a story—they’re ambassadors for change. They remind us that rescue is possible, that rehabilitation can succeed, and that with compassion and action, we can transform lives.
Explore more rescue stories, updates from our sanctuary network and how you can take action at the Rescue Network of Sustainable Action Now: https://sustainableactionnow.org/category/rescue-network/
Together, we can ensure that no bear, no animal, is left behind waiting for the care, space and dignity they deserve.
