Work

Welfare Assessment of Brown Bears (Ursus arctos) in Bulgarian Zoos and Rehabilitation Centres

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Assessing the well-being of captive brown bears is essential for responsible species management and meeting European and national animal care standards outside their natural habitats. The present study aims to assess the welfare of captive brown bears in Bulgaria, considering environmental parameters, husbandry procedures, and the psychological and physical condition of the animals. The study was conducted on 28 brown bears in 11 zoos in Bulgaria and 19 bears in Bear Sanctuary Belitsa. A specific questionnaire and interviews were conducted with zoo managers and keepers. The welfare of the bears was evaluated based on their living conditions, husbandry, and physical and psychological well-being. The Nature and Animal Protection Center in Dobrich received the highest rating for the welfare of two brown bears among the zoos in the study. The study identified annual veterinary check-ups and enrichment programmes as areas needing improvement.

Source: Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens

DOI: 10.3390/jzbg6030045

Authors: Katerina Zareva-Simeonova, Venislava Spasova, Daniela Simeonovska-Nikolova, Krastio Dimitrov, Vladimir Todorov, Kalina Valchinkova

Institutions: Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research

Language: English

Topic: Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies

Subfield: Small Animals

Field: Veterinary

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207