
Volunteer with bears at a renowned bear sanctuary in Europe!
Since its conception in 2005, the Romanian Bear Sanctuary has grown to become the country's epicentre for the care of rescued brown bears and one of the largest bear sanctuaries in Europe. Beginning as one woman's dream to try and save just three bears from a cramped cage outside a restaurant, the project has now rescued over 100 bears from neglectful and cruel situations across the country. Despite such conditions being unlawful, the Romanian authorities had nowhere for the rescued bears to go and it was not uncommon to see bears in tiny cages outside of hotels, restaurants and petrol stations being used as side attractions. Thankfully, they now have a safe haven and are free to roam the sanctuary’s huge, forested enclosures and engage in natural behaviour for the first time in their lives.
Situated in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains near the city of Brasov, you will spend your days working closely with the full-time members of staff, becoming part of this ongoing rescue endeavour to safely rehouse suffering bears. You will help to prepare food, feed and monitor the bears, and assist with sanctuary tours and general bear conservation tasks.
You will also have the chance to see a beautiful side of Eastern Europe, characterised by stunning scenery, warm welcoming locals and incredibly diverse culture – all making for an incredibly unforgettable experience!
Since its conception in 2005, the Romanian Bear Sanctuary has grown to become the country's epicentre for the care of rescued brown bears and one of the largest bear sanctuaries in Europe. Beginning as one woman's dream to try and save just three bears from a cramped cage outside a restaurant, the project has now rescued over 100 bears from neglectful and cruel situations across the country. Despite such conditions being unlawful, the Romanian authorities had nowhere for the rescued bears to go and it was not uncommon to see bears in tiny cages outside of hotels, restaurants and petrol stations being used as side attractions. Thankfully, they now have a safe haven and are free to roam the sanctuary’s huge, forested enclosures and engage in natural behaviour for the first time in their lives.
Situated in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains near the city of Brasov, you will spend your days working closely with the full-time members of staff, becoming part of this ongoing rescue endeavour to safely rehouse suffering bears. You will help to prepare food, feed and monitor the bears, and assist with sanctuary tours and general bear conservation tasks.
You will also have the chance to see a beautiful side of Eastern Europe, characterised by stunning scenery, warm welcoming locals and incredibly diverse culture – all making for an incredibly unforgettable experience!
Below is an example of a 2-week itinerary but it is possible to join for just 1-week or stay a little longer for 3 or 4 weeks.
During your time on the project, you will be accommodated in a comfortable, central apartment within the city of Brasov. The volunteer apartment has two twin-share bedrooms, two bathrooms, one shower and a fully equipped kitchen for you to prepare all your meals. Whilst there is a TV, books, and free Wi-Fi, you’ll likely find yourself spending your free time strolling around the scenic city centre which is just a few minutes’ walk from your accommodation!
There are two airports in Bucharest, and you are welcome to arrive at either of them. You will be collected from arrivals by a project representative and transferred to Brasov which is approximately a 2–3-hour drive from Bucharest. Alternatively, you may wish to arrive in Brasov by train. This is a long but thoroughly worthwhile journey, taking you through some stunning landscapes.
Most nationalities do not need to obtain a visa in advance of travelling to Romania, as entry for up to 90 days is granted on arrival. We do, however, recommend checking the entry requirements with your country’s embassy prior to travel.
Due to the hilly nature of the sanctuary and the high levels of walking, you will be doing each day; we recommend that all volunteers have a moderate level of fitness. No specific skills or experience are required for you to join the project, but we do ask that you arrive with a willingness to get involved and a passion for wildlife conservation.
There are no specific vaccination or medical requirements needed to join this project. The vaccinations required will depend on the individual medical history of each volunteer. We recommend that you consult with your doctor/GP regarding your own vaccination needs as this will ensure you are protected and prepared to travel.
Food and drink are not included in the price of the project, but there are multiple shops and supermarkets close by to your accommodation. Volunteers usually cook together in the apartment, or on occasion, head out to eat at some of the amazing restaurants located around the city centre.