BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa — Attraction in Belitsa

After reading the reviews on Tripadvisor I felt it's going to be A good non zoo experience. First of all the drive up there is as many roads in BG, one lane for both directions including numerous trucks passing so keep that in mind, after that road you get to a gravel road which isn't the worst I've seen but still not an easy chill drive. Once you get to Rila Fun Park keep going you got another 2km up the mountain. The place itself is far from my definition of a park all you can see is huge high fences, electric no less surrounding the whole place, If you have any physical disabilities the terrain could be challenging with sharp uphills downhills. The bears are separated in different sections not sure why but they seemed lonely and bored. I saw 4 bears: one was napping right as you walk in, the second one brought me to tears as he was pacing back and forth the whole time we were there it was very hard to watch and reminded me of those horrible zoos where caged animals get so anxious they keep pacing frantically. Sadly I couldn't get to the guide to ask about it since there were many people there who speaks Bulgarian and she answered their questions, so I might be wrong with my observations but most likely I'm not. The third bear was bearly walking he was trying to walk down the hill but kept stopping and looked kind of limping. The last bear was by the parking lot chilling and eating he's the only one who looked ok. I know it's a sanctuary and I understand most of the bears had physical issues abuse an trauma before getting there, if any information would have been written through out the park in English we might have understood more but I didn't receive any written info when I got the ticket. I must admit those fences makes you feel like they're in prison. If you love animals you probably won't enjoy the experience. Fee is 6lv I don't...

What a special place! If you are in the area, you should make a point of visiting and supporting the park.

All of the former dancing bears in Bulgaria are now in the park and are well cared for. We only saw 4 of the 24 bears in the sanctuary but that is because they are given the freedom to roam the entire sanctuary. If they position themselves near a fence, it is their choice. Remember, it is a sanctuary and not a zoo so we are very lucky to even see 1 bear up close.

One of the bears was pacing and seemed a bit distressed but our lovely guide (who spoke excellent English) told us that this bear was rescued when it was 25yrs old and still shows some behaviour from its time in captivity (eg. pacing as if chained). Other bears seemed very happy and content.

Last year, all the bears were able to hibernate all winter which is a testimony to the sanctuary.

Some practical advice:

Entry is 6 Lev per person (I actually wish that they charged more!)

The tour involves some steep climbs so wear sturdy footwear.

The drive is...interesting! The road from Belitsa to the the park has been recently paved which is good but it's narrow. Locals drive slowly though and move into the verge for oncoming cars. It's also like a farm safari! We came across horses, dogs, cows, deer and chickens on the road. Last kilometre is a dirt road but we drove our rental car in first gear and there's room to move for other vehicles. Just drive cautiously and you will be...

I have visited this sanctuary and wanted to share my experience on Google. The road leading to the sanctuary can be a bit challenging to drive, as it is loaded with sharp curves. However, once you arrive, you'll be greeted by a knowledgeable tour guide who translates all the information into English. The walk inside the sanctuary is slightly long, taking around 30-40 minutes, and involves navigating steep rocky terrain and a series of long stairs. It's important to note that this may be difficult for children below 5 years old, as well as elderly individuals or those with difficulty walking long distances. However, for those who are able, the journey is well worth it. During the tour, you have the opportunity to see 3-4 bears, depending on your luck. It's a thrilling experience to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The sanctuary ensures the safety of both visitors and the bears, as they roam freely in the forest. Overall, my experience at the sanctuary was good. However, there is room for improvement in terms of facilities. It would be beneficial if additional amenities were provided to enhance the visitor experience. In conclusion, despite the challenging road and the demanding walk, the sanctuary offers a unique wildlife experience. With a knowledgeable guide, the opportunity to see bears in their natural habitat, and a safe environment, it's an adventure worth...