Bear Tim in his enclosure in a private zoo in Slovenia

#FreeBearTim

What his new life at BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach in Austria could look like

Bear Tim is suffering! Since he was a tiny cub, he has been living in substandard conditions at a private Zoo in Slovenia called Zoo park Rožman. Although we are offering Tim a much better life at our beautiful BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach in Austria, his owner has so far refused to voluntarily give Tim up. Mr Rožmanec is claiming that Tim is doing well and that he is taking good care of him. But is Tim really well?

We visited Tim in 2022. In 2023, we were not allowed to enter the property as Mr Rožmanec refused to let us in. Since 2024, Mr Rožmanec has no valid licence to operate his facility as a zoo anymore, so Zoo park Rožman is closed for visitors.

Mr Rožmanec, can you really offer Tim what we can offer him at BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach?

This is what awaits Tim at BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach

Large natural enclosure:
Tim will have access to a 3,500 m² enclosure in a natural environment that meets his species-specific needs. He will have plenty of space to retreat to when he wants to. He can hide in bushes and shrubs, retreat into two outdoor dens or hide in the den of the bear house and take a nap in the straw. His enclosure is equipped with a small pool for a pleasant sit bath and a large pool with senior-friendly access where he can submerge himself and splash around. Are you offering Tim the same, Mr Rožmanec?
Individual care:
Experienced animal caretakers will look after Tim every day, tailoring his care to his individual needs. Our caretakers are supported by veterinarians specialised in wildlife medicine and animal behaviourists who will check Tim regularly. This intensive care allows us to manage even chronic health problems and behavioural stereotypes related to our bears' traumatic former keeping conditions. The health status, dietary intake and behaviour of Tim will be observed daily and documented in his animal's records. Are you offering Tim the same, Mr Rožmanec?
Enrichment:
In the wild, bears spend most of their time foraging. In BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach, and all other FOUR PAWS sanctuaries and partner projects, we strive to encourage this natural activity as much as possible through implementing species-specific feeding strategies. Our team will design a tailor-made feeding plan for Tim and incorporate varying enrichment tools to challenge and keep Tim busy. Are you offering Tim the same, Mr Rožmanec?
Encouraging natural behaviour:
Tim will have the chance to make his own choices, exhibit a wide array of natural behaviours and express his species-specific needs in interaction with the environment given to him in BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach. He will be fed a seasonal diet so he can build up fat reserves in autumn and winter in preparation for his first hibernation. Moreover, the natural terrain profile in his enclosure will allow him to dig his own den. Are you offering Tim the same, Mr Rožmanec?

Bears Felix and Mici were rescued by us in 2025 and are thriving in BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach. It is up to you, Mr Rožmanec, to give Tim a fresh start, too!