The story of an elderly Slovenian 'restaurant bear' has taken a happy turn after over three decades in captivity. At the impressive age of 34, Felix has embarked on a new chapter at BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach in Austria, where he will be able to live out the rest of his life in a natural and species-appropriate environment.

Born in 1991, Felix spent his life in a small concrete enclosure next to a busy road, where he served as an attraction for restaurant guests. In May 2025, a team from FOUR PAWS transported Felix to his new forever home.

Since 2004, it has been illegal for private individuals in Slovenia to keep bears taken from the wild, but with exceptions for those who obtained bears before the law was enacted and could not release them. In 2022 FOUR PAWS assessed the living conditions of the remaining privately kept bears in Slovenia which included bear Felix. Following protests, the two responsible Slovenian Ministries conducted inspections of bear owners and imposed sanctions to improve their living conditions. In Felix's case, the authorities were successful, and the owner agreed to voluntarily hand him over to FOUR PAWS. This marks a significant step forward for animal welfare that sets a precedent for other bears in similar situations.

We thank the authorities involved for their support and the owner of Felix for making the right decision to give Felix the chance of a better life. But bears Mici and Tim are still suffering and continue to live in cruel, substandard conditions without specialised veterinary care. FOUR PAWS therefore appeals to their owners to follow the example of Felix's owner and we call on the authorities to continue working to end the private keeping of bears in Slovenia once and for all.

For bear Felix, decades of inappropriate living conditions have likely contributed to various health problems. During his time in captivity, Felix developed degenerative joint disease, resulting in stiffness in his hind legs, and his eyesight also appears to be impaired. However, despite these challenges and his advanced age, Felix remains curious and food-oriented, displaying a zest for life. During his health check Felix was also dewormed and vaccinated so that he is ready for the transfer to BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach soon.

Bear Felix should also not be confused with another brown bear named Felix, who has been in our care at BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz in Germany since 2007. For 12 years, he also lived in a small concrete enclosure and since arriving at the sanctuary he has transformed from a very shy and reserved bear into a self-confident and curious one.

After an eight-hour journey from Slovenia to Austria, we are thrilled to say that this gentle soul arrived safe and sound at BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach. This mission was not easy—as it has been nearly three years since we began our work to help the saddest bears in Slovenia, but it is an indescribable feeling to see results like this.

Now, Felix will have time to adjust to his new surroundings, while his dedicated caretakers provide everything he needs to feel comfortable and welcome in his forever home. On the first night of his arrival, he snuggled up in his warm bed filled with straw and had a well-deserved long sleep. For the first few weeks, Felix will stay in the adaptation enclosure, allowing the team on-site to monitor him closely before he is released into his large forest enclosure. 

We want to extend our gratitude to the authorities who supported this mission and to the owner who made the right decision in allowing Felix the chance at a better life. And, of course, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of Felix’s journey and continues to support our mission to make his world a better place. 

Felix's story reminds us of the importance of raising awareness and fostering change for those who cannot speak for themselves. Together, we can work towards a future where all animals are treated with the respect and care they deserve.