
Europe Day 2017 – Exploring Europe’s Hidden Gems (And Its Wildlife!)
- posted on 09/05/2017
- by Phoebe Codling
Read all about Europe Day 2017. and discover the amazing animals that call this continent home.
Read MoreVolunteer 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 70 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 until this amazing bear sanctuary was founded. Thankfully, they are now able to roam in its 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 in the forest, at the bear sanctuary. Working closely with the full-time members of staff, you become part of this on-going rescue endeavour to safely rehouse suffering bears. By volunteering at this bear sanctuary, you will help to prepare food, feed and monitor the bears, assisting 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, warmly welcoming locals and incredibly diverse culture – all making for an incredibly unforgettable experience!
Working with the bears at the Romanian Bear Sanctuary is a unique experience, where you will witness these gracious mammals in all of their glory. What are you waiting for? Volunteer with bears today!
Read all about Europe Day 2017. and discover the amazing animals that call this continent home.
Read MoreBear Paw Soup is a delicacy from the Far East and it involves chopping off the paw of a bear, often whilst it is still alive, and then cooking it in a stew. This vile practise is still commonplace in many locations all around the world and it needs to be stopped.
Read MoreEver wanted to find out more about the Grizzly Bear? Look no further than our latest blog!
Read MoreDuring your time on the project you will be based in Brasov, living in a comfortable, central flat with your fellow volunteers. Rooms are shared between at least two. The flat is situated at the foot of the towering Mount Tampa and is just a few minutes’ walk to the centre of the town and all amenities. In the flat, Wi-Fi is available for use, as well as televisions and books. The fully-equipped kitchen allows you all to cook together.
Ingredients for meals can be purchased from local supermarkets and cooked in volunteer flats, however, this is not included in the cost of the project.
The work involved in this project is not particularly exerting, so only a moderate level of fitness is advised. No specific tasks or qualifications are required to partake in this project, simply a positive attitude, ability to work in a team and commitment to the cause and its aims.
The vaccinations required will depend on the medical history of each volunteer. We recommend that you consult with your GP regarding your own immunisation needs. In conjunction with this, we would recommend that you check Fit for Travel’s website.
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 driven to Brasov, approximately a 2 to 3 hour drive from Bucharest. Once there Razvan, the project facilitator, will help you to settle you into your flat, before giving you a thorough orientation. Alternatively, you may wish to arrive in Brasov by train. This is a long but thoroughly worthwhile journey, taking you through some fantastic landscapes.
If you would like help booking your flights, please visit our flights page and fill out the form. A member of our team will get back in touch as soon as possible with a suitable quote.
There is no visa required for most nationalities to enter Romania. Check the Romanian Immigration Website for detailed information.
The Romanian currency is the New Leu. The conversion rate is around 1 RON to 0.2 GBP, 0.3 EUR and 0.4 USD.
“Every day was even more exciting than the last, because each day meant something new to learn and love. The Romanian people are lovely and value you for loving their precious country and animals. It was something very special that completely reinvigorated my soul and made me feel a part of something bigger and better than the daily grind. I am starting to save for my next journey back there soon.”
Hans Berents, 2013
“The trip was amazing. I loved the bears and the people at the sanctuary were very welcoming. Everyone I met was friendly and helpful. I can think of nothing negative to say other than it was far too short. I could still very happily be sitting chatting to bears while I work in the sunshine. I would recommend this to anyone especially someone like me who was travelling alone for the first time.”
Jackie Bell, 2013
“Many people are very cut off from the natural world, and this is one way to get closer to it in an active and positive way - the volunteer help is clearly appreciated and valued. The reward of this project is in spending time at the sanctuary and in Romania. Real highlights are spending every day outdoors in a beautiful place; being able to observe the bears in the bear sanctuary and even ‘get to know’ a few of them”.
L.Gardiner, 2013