(1 May 2025)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Belitsa, Bulgaria – 28 April 2025
1. General view of bear sanctuary Belitsa
2. Various of brown bears seen in their enclosure
3. SOUNDBITE (Bulgarian) Velichka Trichkova, head of visitor operations
"The first three bears were rescued in 2000, and this year marks the park’s 25th anniversary. The idea for the sanctuary came from the Four Paws Foundation, which initially started with three young bears and three small enclosures. As more dancing bears who needed better conditions resembling their natural habitat were discovered in Bulgaria, the decision was made to expand the park where we are now."
4. Various of 9 year old rescued bears Ricku and Iva seen playing
5. Close of bear Iva
6. Wide shot of 34 year old bear Rada seen walking erratically
7. Various of the sanctuary’s veterinarian Dr Nikola Kiryanski preparing a dart with a dose of sedative
8. Various Dr Kiryansky firing a sedative dart at Rada in so he can bring the bear in for medical checks.
9. Various of the bear falling and being collected in the transport buggy to be taken to the medical room
10. SOUNDBITE (Bulgarian) Velichka Trichkova, head of visitor’s operations
"Our park also offers medical care. Every year, each bear undergoes a full check-up. Just recently, we examined Rada, one of our oldest residents at around 34 years old. She received a full range of tests, blood work, X-rays, ultrasounds, to monitor her health and catch any issues early."
11. Bear Rada on the examination table
12. Member of the medical team attaching a monitor to Rada’s leg
13. Wide of medical team preparing Rada
14. Close of bear’s paw
15. Various of Rada the bear being examined and treated
16. Close of monitor
17. Close of one of the team stroking Rada’s paw
18. SOUNDBITE (Bulgarian) Nikola Popkostadinov, Manager of Bear Sanctuary Belitsa
"Our mission and vision is to rescue animals from suffering and save them from terrible conditions. After successfully rescuing all the dancing bears, we expanded our focus to helping bears in distress, those living in poor or unsafe environments. Since there are no more dancing bears, we now work to identify bears at risk around the world, and those found within our region are brought here to live in safety."
19. Various of the medical team performing an ultrasound examination on the bear’s heart
20. Close of ultrasound monitor
21. Various of the bear being given medical checks
22. External of bear sitting inside the sanctuary
23. An apple tied to a tree branch for the bears to forage
24. A bear relaxing in the sanctuary
25. SOUNDBITE (Bulgarian) Velichka Trichkova, head of visitor operations
"We’re especially happy this year, all of our bears went into hibernation, something that hasn’t happened in many years. We were even surprised by our youngest resident, Riku, who hibernated for the first time in his life."
26. Various of young bears Teddy and Ricku eating carrots in their enclosure
27. SOUNDBITE (Bulgarian) Velichka Trichkova, head of visitor’s operations
"This winter, all 15 bears hibernated. The record for the longest hibernation was set by Mima, 165 days. Some of the bears began their hibernation as early as October and only woke up in mid to late March."
28. Close of bear resting
29. Various of Bear Mima looking for food.
30. Bear Mima walks away
31. Wide high view of bear sanctuary
STORYLINE:
LEADIN:
Bears who were mistreated are now enjoying a new lease of life in a serene mountain sanctuary in Bulgaria.
Now they receive regular medical care, and have begun hibernating naturally for the first time.
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