What do bears do on a gloomy day? They get cosy!

When grey skies loomed over our China sanctuary last week, the bears did what many of us might – they headed indoors, curled up and got comfy!

With the rain drizzling outside, the bear houses were a picture of peace: a patchwork of snoring fluffballs, sleepy stretches, and shared hammocks.

Left – right: Uni, Oscar, Woofstock, Tatzi

This little sanctuary moment gives us a beautiful glimpse into life after rescue – a life where bears get to make their own choices.

If they want to roam, they roam. If they want to snooze, they snooze. And when it’s rainy and cool, they know just where to go.

Inside their dens, bears have a variety of beds to choose from – curved metal hammocks, raised platforms, and woven webbing hammocks, each designed with their comfort and mobility needs in mind.

Left – right: Chris and Sparkler, Tranquility Kay and Tina, Nala. 

Some dens have beds at different heights, so bears can pick what feels best. It’s clear the bears know what they like!

And the cosiness doesn’t stop there. After dinner, the bears are free to move between dens, seeking out their perfect place to sleep.

Some snuggle solo, others – like Sparkler and Chris – in pairs or trios, and some return to the same spot night after night. It’s sanctuary life at its best: safe, soft, and shaped by the bears themselves.