Bear physiotherapy

For bears who’ve spent years in tiny cages, movement can be painful or impossible. That’s where physiotherapy comes in.

It’s one of the most powerful tools we have to help bears regain strength, mobility and joy – and it’s always done with kindness and consent.

What we treat

Many rescued bears suffer from:

• Muscle wastage and joint stiffness

• Broken or deformed limbs

• Arthritis and spinal issues

• Neurological damage from malnutrition or trauma

How we help

Our veterinary and bear care teams design individual physio plans using:

• Massage and gentle stretching

• Water based exercises and assisted walking

• Specialised enrichment to encourage movement

• Positive reinforcement to make each step stress-free

Why it matters

Many of the bears at our sanctuaries need regular physio support. These are bears who lived in cramped cages, often for decades, without room to stretch or move. Now, we help them rediscover the joy of climbing, foraging and simply being a bear.

Success you can see

Physiotherapy has helped bears like Mrytle go from barely able to walk to confidently exploring their dens. It can ease pain, improve balance and even extend lives. And the bears love it… Some even queue up for their sessions!