Stiftung für Bären, s a nonprofit foundation, established in 2004 by Aktion Bärenhilfswerk e.V., dedicated to protecting bears, wolves, and lynx. Through two specialized rescue parks – Alternativer Bärenpark Worbis and Alternativer Wolf- und Bärenpark Schwarzwald – they provide lifelong care for animals rescued from circuses, private collections, or outdated zoos.
Stiftung für Bären also serves as a center for research, education, and international consulting, contributing to over 30 scientific studies, training professionals in animal welfare, and advising more than 60 institutions worldwide.
Alternativer Bärenpark Worbis
- Founded: 1997 | Size: 12 ha (and expanding)
- Animals accommodated since opening:
- 23 bears
- 27 wolves
- 2 lynx
- Animals currently living in the park:
- 9 bears
- 2 wolves
- 2 lynx
- Typical arrivals: older bears (avg. 13 years), often with a history of trauma, arthritis, dental problems, or stress resulting from inadequate previous conditions.
- Lifespan in the park: average 25.5 years (maximum recorded: 37 years)
Alternativer Wolf- und Bärenpark Schwarzwald
- Opened: 2010 | Size: 13.5 ha
- Animals accommodated since opening:
- 19 bears
- 15 wolves
- 4 lynx
- Animals currently living in the park:
- 10 bears
- 4 wolves
- 2 lynx
- Typical arrivals: primarily older bears (avg. 18 years), often coming from inadequate previous conditions.
- Lifespan in the park: average 30 years
Both parks offer natural enclosures, social opportunities, space for movement, and individualized veterinary care, giving animals a safe, stable home for life.
Funding and Support
Stiftung für Bären is entirely privately funded – no government or EU support. Their work is made possible by:
- Over 6,000 individual donors
- Associations, groups, and private companies
Income sources include:
- Animal adoptions – regular support for specific animals
- Legacies – gifts from supporters in their wills
- Donations – one-time or recurring gifts
- In-kind donations – food, equipment, tools
- Grants from supporting associations
- Visitor services – entrance fees and park activities
All finances are fully transparent in the annual reports, while donor privacy is strictly protected. Stiftung für Bären is a member of the ITZ network, and its financial and operational transparency has been independently verified through an audit by the German organization ITZ: https://www.transparente-zivilgesellschaft.de/
Why Bear Parks Matter
The bear parks from Stiftung für Bären allow animals that cannot return to the wild to live in environments that meet their natural needs:
- Expansive, natural enclosures
- Social or quiet zones as needed
- Space for natural behaviors
- Individual veterinary care
- Lifelong safe and stable homes
By combining practical care, research, education, and international consulting, Stiftung für Bären sets a modern standard for the rescue and protection of large carnivores worldwide.