A day of sanctuary

For the rescued moon, sun and brown bears living at our sanctuaries, every day is filled with safety, care, and novelty.

Behind the scenes, our dedicated bear carers, vets, and maintenance teams work tirelessly to make sure each bear’s needs are met – from breakfast at dawn to bedtime at dusk. Here’s how a typical day at our bear sanctuaries plays out, for the bears and those who care for them.

8:00am – Morning briefing and breakfast prep

As the bears begin to stir, the sanctuary comes to life.

In the bear houses, teams of carers gather for their morning meeting – a quick but essential catch-up between managers and team leaders to review plans, discuss any health concerns, and coordinate the day ahead.

While the teams talk, wheelbarrows are filled with breakfast: colourful piles of fruit and vegetables, nutritious dog food, and surprise treats like coconuts or jelly.

The bears don’t know it yet, but today’s enrichment theme might involve hanging puzzles or hidden treats – part of a four-week rotation that keeps their environment fresh and stimulating.

8:30am – Morning medications

Before the bears head outside, those needing medication receive their morning dose – often tucked into a piece of banana or marshmallow and drizzled with honey. For the carers, it’s a delicate balance of patience, timing, and positive reinforcement.

9:00am – Out to the enclosures

Then comes one of the best moments of the day. A bell rings, den doors open and a rush of furry energy bursts into the sunshine.

For the bears, it’s the start of hours of foraging, climbing and playing. For the carers, it’s time to clean the dens, replace bedding, and reset the houses for the afternoon.

10:00am – Health checks

Some mornings, a few bears head to the vet clinic for routine health checks. Every bear receives a full examination every three years, but the team is always ready to step in sooner if needed.

Under gentle anaesthesia, vets check teeth, eyes, and overall health, using ultrasound and bloodwork to ensure each bear is thriving.

12:00pm – Lunch and afternoon enrichment

While the bears enjoy their outdoor play, the teams pause for lunch; a brief moment of rest before the next round of feeding and enrichment.

After lunch, the carers return to the bear houses, preparing another round of fruits, vegetables, and enrichment items designed to surprise and engage. Every detail, from the smell of herbs to the texture of a toy, is chosen to stimulate the bears’ natural instincts.

2:00pm – Reset and refocus

The bell rings again, calling the bears back inside with the promise of sweet fruits. As the bears rest in their dens, carers clean and repair the outdoor enclosures and prepare for the afternoon session.

Cooperative care and physiotherapy

During this quiet part of the afternoon, some bears take part in cooperative care and physiotherapy sessions. These are gentle, trust-based interactions where the bears choose to take part – offering a paw for inspection, or standing calmly while carers check their teeth or draw blood for analysis.

For bears recovering from old injuries or mobility issues, physiotherapy sessions help build strength and comfort through small, positive movements. It’s slow, careful work – and a powerful reminder of how far these once-traumatised bears have come.

3:00pm – Playtime and observation

The enclosures are ready again, and the bears rush out for another round of play and foraging. Some climb, some nap, some splash in the pool and some wrestle with friends – each following their own rhythm.

Carers watch closely, noting behaviours, interactions, and small changes in personality that can tell them how each bear is feeling.

It’s in these quiet moments of observation that the bond between carers and bears is most visible – mutual trust built through years of care.

5:00pm – Dinner and night routine

As the sun dips lower, the bell rings once more. The bears return indoors, where their evening medications and final meal of the day await.

Dinner is followed by a fresh delivery of browse – leafy branches that serve as both bedding and midnight snacks.

Carers head back outside to clean, repair, and rearrange structures in the enclosures, keeping the environment fresh and exciting for the next day.

6:00pm – Lights out

By dusk, the sanctuary quietens. Most bears are curled in soft nests, others are gently munching leaves or settling into baskets for the night.

Carers make one final round – checking water, whispering goodnights, and turning off the lights.

Outside, the stars rise over the sanctuary. Inside, hundreds of rescued bears sleep safely, dreaming of the next day of freedom and care.