Stiftung für Bären, founded in 2004 by Aktion Bärenhilfswerk e.V., focuses on protecting large carnivores, i.e. bears, wolves, and lynxes, through two main sanctuaries in Germany: one in Worbis, Thuringia (established 1996) and another in the Black Forest (established 2010). These parks provide near-natural habitats for animals previously subjected to poor captive conditions, allowing them to regain natural behavior. Since the parks’ inception, they have sheltered 42 bears, 42 wolves, and 6 lynxes, among other rescued animals, and promoted animal welfare through direct care and educational initiatives.
The foundation also emphasizes education and research, offering programs and collaborating on over 30 academic studies regarding carnivore behavior. It has developed both parks into Competence Centres (knowledge centers) that employ practical animal welfare and conservation methods, equipping staff with ongoing training in wildlife protection. The foundation’s scope extends internationally, providing expertise to over 60 institutions worldwide on ethical care for carnivores. Additionally, it maintains an international task force to address animal welfare issues swiftly and effectively.
With its innovative projects, Stiftung für Bären is committed to improving living conditions for carnivores both in captivity and the wild. It continues to build partnerships, particularly within Europe, to advance conservation and animal welfare, embodying a forward-thinking approach that combines direct action, scientific inquiry, and public education to foster a more humane environment for the above-mentioned species.