The Arosa Bear Sanctuary Has Its First Bear

After a journey of over 1,400 km and a transport duration of 28 hours, Napa has arrived safe and sound in his enclosure at the Arosa Bear Sanctuary. Over the coming weeks, he will have time to settle into his new home. The official opening of the Arosa Bear Sanctuary will take place from August 3 to 5.

Editorial Team Wild beim Wild — July 5, 2018

“The transport crate with Napa inside weighs around 550 kg. Getting it from the bear ambulance into the gondola was a remarkable logistical achievement. I’m very glad that everything went so smoothly and that Napa has finally arrived at his permanent home,” said Carsten Hertwig, FOUR PAWS bear expert.

Settling In at a Mountain Paradise

After arriving and undergoing a medical examination, Napa will be placed in an acclimatization enclosure. Here he can get used to his new freedom of movement and explore the grounds. The veterinarian and bear keeper will be able to observe him closely during this time. During the acclimatization phase, Napa will already be able to see his future large outdoor enclosure.

Great Joy in Arosa

The project initiator and president of the Arosa Bears Foundation, Pascal Jenny, is also overjoyed about the first bear to arrive in Arosa: “We have waited so long for him. Now, at last, he is here — our first bear. All of Arosa is delighted that Napa has found his lifelong home with us in the beautiful Arosa mountain landscape.” The official opening of the Arosa Bear Sanctuary will take place on Friday, August 3, with Federal Councilor Doris Leuthard and other invited guests. On Saturday, August 4, and Sunday, August 5, the gates of Switzerland’s first bear sanctuary will be officially opened to all visitors as part of two days of “open doors.”

4.7.2018, Arosa, Switzerland: The bear Napa arrives at his new home in Arosa after a long journey from Serbia. ©VIER PFOTEN

4.7.2018, Arosa, Switzerland: The bear Napa arrives at his new home in Arosa after a long journey from Serbia. Monika Fasnacht and Pascal Jenny. ©VIER PFOTEN

From the Circus to the Natural Mountain World

Napa was born in a zoo and most likely came to the Serbian circus Corona as a young bear. Whether he actually had to perform in the ring there is not known. Since Serbia, in stark contrast to Switzerland, has had a ban on wild animals in circuses since 2009, it can be assumed that he was kept in a small cage on the circus grounds for years. All the more gratifying, then, that this active and curious bear now has a life in the midst of the mountain world of Arosa ahead of him. More on animal rights and wildlife.