Bear Mark
and his gentle eyes
Bear Mark has made great progress since his arrival in December 2022. We are overjoyed. Since this spring, he has been much more active. He explores his enclosure, inspects his enrichments for treats,... He especially loves grapes, melons and peeled walnuts. And on very hot days, he splashes happily in the pond.
Bear Mark
on a hot day at BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach
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Mark spent over 20 years of his life as a restaurant bear. He was used to attract customers, living in a tiny rusty cage where he only felt the cold concrete floor. He was deprived of all the natural behaviour of a bear and never had the opportunity to forage, hibernate, or even smell other bears.
But on the 7th of December 2022, FOUR PAWS was able to rescue Mark and change the life of Albania's last restaurant bear forever. After a long journey through 7 countries, Mark arrived safely on December 9th at his new forever home, BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesach.
But after such a long time living in captivity, it was difficult for Mark to settle into his new life. And the poor living conditions and malnutrition from his life in captivity has caused life-long health problems. But slowly Mark is improving! And with the return of winter in mid-January 2023, Mark retreated into his den – to hibernate for the first time in his life.
Then and now
Bear Mark
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At the end of February, Mark slowly became more active again. For the first time since his rescue, he stood in his den sniffing around. A big step forward! The den for a long time was Mark’s favourite hideout and he didn´t venture far from it. It was his safe, warm space, where he could settle into his new surroundings, relax and eat all his favorite foods.
Luckily Mark more and more got confident and started to explore his enclosure.
Bear Marks first year at BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach
Mark's arrival at the BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach
After a 44-hour journey, brown bear Mark has arrived in the snow-covered bear sanctuary in the Waldviertel (near the Upper Austrian border).
Mark starts the new year
In the enclosure there is a cave prepared for bear Mark. It is thickly strewn with straw. Mark, however, prefers to sleep outside of the den. To ensure that he is well protected even in cold temperatures, Mark gets plenty of straw to build a cosy nest.
Marks new favourite place
Since the health check Bear Mark spends his time in the den. Now he feels so comfortable and safe in his den, that he won't leave it for the next few weeks.
Marks first careful steps
The cave is still the place where Mark prefers to be. But he becomes curious about his surroundings.
Mark ventures further out of his cave
every day a few steps further...
Brave Mark
Mark finally dares to go outside. Still within easy reach of his cave.
At last! Mark begins to explore his enclosure
Mark is curious about his surroundings.What is there to discover and smell,... how does it feel to walk on forrest soil,...?
When will it be finally spring?
A winter in the Waldviertel can last very long. But Mark doesn´t care. Despite the snow Mark did a little walk.
Marks first bath in the pond
From winter straight into swimming season.
After his first rounds exploring his enclosure, Mark also discovered his pond. It was such a pleasure for all of us, watching him, dabbling playfully in the pond.
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25th anniversary of Bear Sanctuary Arbesbach
And there are two other anniversaries to celebrate. On the one hand, Brumca's 25 years in the bear sanctuary Arbesbach and Mark turns 25 this year. This must be celebrated. Mark received a cardboard box, in which tasty treats and favorite food were hidden, for his birthday.
Mark enjoys the spring sun
Mark did a walk in his enclosure and found a cosy place to take a break.
Mark enjoys a bath
Into the cool water! Bears are excellent swimmers. In the water they can get rid of annoying parasites, cool off or just have fun!
Mark
always finds things to occupy with. He is particularly fond of straw.
Mark has his favorite places to sleep
After taking his walks through the enclosure, Mark is having a break and takes a nap.
Another resting place for bear Mark
During the warm season, the bears often sleep in hollows, which they dig themselves and sometimes cover with leaves, moss or branches.
Mark is foraging
As for the other bears, Mark's food is distributed and hidden in the enclosure every day. All shyness and insecurity have long been forgotten. Mark goes in search of the good food.
Mark received a paper bag with treats.
In the paperbag is straw and among the straw Mark found lots of his favourite food. Mark is also interested in other enrichemnts, such as bamboo tubes, in which food is hidden.
Mark
Although September has arrived, Mark has changed into summer coat.
Mark
llikes to lie on this patch of green meadow and also likes to eat grass.
Mark
smells the autumn air or his fine nose has come across a particularly interesting smell.
Mark with winter coat
Mark has eaten up a thick fat pad and also has a thick winter coat again. He is well prepared for hibernation.
Mark is tired
It's early November. Mark's walks have become rare. The other bears are also no longer very active and take long sleep breaks. Soon, Mark will retire to his cave.
Mark is hibernating
For Mark, an eventful first year at the BEAR SANCTUARY is coming to an end. In contrast to the exciting December 9, 2022, Mark sleeps through his first anniversary in peace. Mark is hibernating since November 22nd. Sleep well, dear bear Mark. We wish you a good new year at the BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach.
Watch for a true winter miracle! ❄️
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