BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach provides rescued bears a life-long home in a near-natural habitat. Bears that have grown up in human care, unfortunately, can no longer be released into the wild. They have become too used to humans and their support. In captivity, these animals lose the vital instincts they would need for a life alone in the forest. Left to themselves, they are unable to survive. Many of our bears display severe behavioural disorders due to their former caged existence and require the special attention of our animal care staff.

FOUR PAWS aims to provide bears in human care with an environment that corresponds to their species. In our extensive wooded enclosures, our bears are able to rediscover their instincts and act out their natural behaviour. 

Visitors of BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach can gain insight into the everyday life of the bears there. An approximately 900 m long circular route runs through the park, and an extensive exhibition area with interactive activities is present. For younger guests, there are several playgrounds, as well as a low-ropes course on site. Since 2017, the site has offered visitors a garden displaying more than 20 different kinds of berries. Unique T-shirts, plush bears and many regional products can be found in the souvenir shop. For schools and youth groups, different educational programmes are carried out, and furthermore, guided tours can also be booked.

Guided tours offer a deeper insight into this animal protection project as well as some exciting facts and interesting stories about the brown bears. You can find out more about the tours here.