As temperatures drop and winter settles in, many animals face their toughest season. Among them are bears like Jeffrey—rescued, cared for, and loved—but still deeply vulnerable when the cold sets in. This year, Animals Asia is launching an urgent winter feeding campaign to make sure Jeffrey and his friends stay safe, healthy, and well-fed. Their refuge depends entirely on public generosity—and you can help.
The winter months present a particularly harsh challenge for sanctuary bears. Even when they’re no longer wild and no longer hibernating like their forest counterparts, the shorter days, lower temperatures, and limited fresh food availability put a real strain on their health and well-being. Proper nutrition becomes vital: high-calorie meals, vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, and consistent feeding schedules help maintain their strength and immunity, warding off disease and stress-related health issues.
For animals like Jeffrey, winter food isn’t just about survival—it’s about restoring dignity. Many of these bears were rescued from cruel conditions, where their lives were defined by neglect or exploitation.
At the sanctuary, they’re offered a second chance: safe shelter, clean water, and meals that honor their biological needs. The feeding program is not a luxury—it’s essential for their rehabilitation and long-term wellness.
Animals Asia’s winter feeding drive isn’t just about one bear or one sanctuary. It’s part of a growing movement to support wildlife rescue, compassionate care, and humane alternatives to captivity and exploitation.
By contributing, supporters help cover a range of necessities: nutritious feed, medical care, enough bedding to survive nights safely, and ongoing enrichment to keep the bears mentally stimulated through the bleak winter days.
If you believe in protecting wildlife, in second chances for animals rescued from cruelty, or simply in extending kindness to voiceless beings in need—this is your moment to act. You can learn more about the campaign, read bear stories including Jeffrey’s, and make a donation through the Bears section on Sustainable Action Now. Every contribution, large or small, helps supply everything from fruit crates to medical supplies.
Winter doesn’t need to be a season of hardship for sanctuary bears. With community support and hearts committed to compassion, this winter can become a season of warmth, care, and recovery—one bear at a time. Please consider helping feed Jeffrey and his friends this winter, and help us show that animals deserve compassion, respect, and a place to heal.
Sleepy Dasha Prepares for Winter at BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz
As the chill of winter settles across Germany, the residents of BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz are gradually preparing for the season’s long, restful slumber. Among them, Dasha, one of the sanctuary’s beloved bears, has captured hearts with her endearing reluctance to enter hibernation. While her fellow bears have already begun to curl up in cozy dens, Dasha continues to roam her enclosure, exploring and savoring the crisp winter air.
BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz is home to bears rescued from dire situations, many of whom endured years of neglect, exploitation, or captivity. These bears now live in spacious, forested environments that mimic their natural habitats as closely as possible, complete with dens for winter hibernation, ponds for summer splashing, and lush greenery to explore. The sanctuary provides round-the-clock care, veterinary support, and enrichment activities designed to allow each bear to thrive physically and psychologically.
Dasha’s hesitation to hibernate is not unusual. Bears are complex creatures, and individual behaviors can vary widely depending on health, personality, and previous life experiences. For Dasha, years of human interaction or captivity may have shaped her instincts, making her cautious or curious as the colder months arrive. Sanctuary caretakers monitor each bear carefully, ensuring that when Dasha does decide to settle into her den, she does so safely and comfortably.
Hibernation is a critical period for bears, allowing their bodies to conserve energy and adapt to seasonal changes. In the wild, bears enter a state of torpor, reducing their metabolic rate and relying on fat reserves to sustain them through the winter. At BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz, this natural process is supported by nutrition, habitat design, and attentive care from trained staff. Each bear’s den is prepared with soft bedding and insulated materials to maintain warmth and security during the long winter months.
Visitors and animal welfare supporters often follow Dasha’s story closely, captivated by her spirited energy and personality. Watching her navigate the enclosure, interact with enrichment toys, and respond to the changing seasons offers a unique window into the life of a bear recovering from trauma. These moments also highlight the sanctuary’s mission: to provide rescued animals with the environment, care, and dignity they deserve.
For those inspired by Dasha and the sanctuary’s work, supporting BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz and similar initiatives can make a tangible difference. Contributions help maintain spacious habitats, fund veterinary care, and provide enrichment programs that ensure rescued bears can live full, species-appropriate lives. Each donation or act of advocacy strengthens the network of sanctuaries dedicated to giving animals a second chance at life.
Dasha’s ongoing story reminds us that even as the world grows colder, hope and resilience continue to flourish. Her eventual hibernation will be a quiet testament to the safety, care, and trust she has found at BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz. Until then, supporters can follow her journey, learn more about bear welfare, and contribute to the sanctuary’s ongoing efforts to protect these magnificent creatures.
For more updates on Dasha, her fellow residents, and ways to help bears in need, you can explore bear-focused initiatives that connect supporters to rescue, rehabilitation, and advocacy efforts worldwide. Each story of rescue and recovery underscores the importance of compassionate stewardship and the profound impact human action can have in the lives of animals.
As winter approaches, Dasha’s playful spirit and cautious curiosity continue to inspire, reminding us all that resilience, care, and dedicated support can transform lives—even for those who have endured the harshest conditions. Her journey from survival to sanctuary serves as a symbol of hope for bears everywhere, reinforcing the vital role of sanctuaries and the communities that sustain them.
