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    Libearty Bear Sanctuary

    Posted by bearski 28 January 2013

    This rescue bear centre is a a wonderful experience. It is 5km outside a town called Zarnesti which is easily reached by train from Brasov, you will need a taxi from Zarnesti as the sanctuary is down a lot of country roads. It's not unwalkable - I walked back, but you would need to know where you were going. It's not obvious.
    You need to book in advance by email or phone (a day or so) as it is not designed as a 'drop in centre' for animal lovers, but a real working santuary (hint - go to the bathroom before you get there, there is a visitor centre but as they are a bit out in the sticks they have limited facilities). They need a mimimun of 10 visitors to make it worthwhile for them and it's $25 a head. Note, that doesn't mean that you have to be in a group of 10, just that there has to be other people booking on the same day.

    You will see bears (60 to 70 ) that have had awful histories and it is very moving to see them living in a safe and happy environment.

    Romania does have the largest bear population in Europe, and in suburbs of Brasov there is a documented bear issue, so it's very much a part of the culture. (Someone offered me bear paw pate to eat - rebuffed by me!)

    bearsanctuary.com/
    Take the train from Brasov to Zarnesti (one every hour or so- costs about a £1, then a taxi to the sanctuary. The tours run to time, so book your pickup for two hours later.

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