Volunteer with bears in Romania

The project

Historically, bears have been mistreated for generations in Romania: taken from the wild as cubs, taught to dance and perform, kept in tiny cages and tormented by tourists. Happily, this treatment is now illegal, and bears across Eastern Europe have been lucky enough to find homes in sanctuaries.

The bear sanctuary in Romania is Eastern Europe's largest bear sanctuary, and it is currently home to over 100 bears. The sanctuary is set in rolling hills at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, and is a beautiful haven in which these bears can recover and rehabilitate.

What will I be doing?

Volunteers are an essential part of life at the sanctuary. From Monday - Friday, volunteers help for about 6 hours per day to prepare food for the bears. This job is essential - with over 100 bears, that is a lot of food that is needed!

Volunteers are also able to join the bear feeding tours, monitor the bears each day and enjoy watching the bears in their new-found freedom.

Free time

You will be living in the centre of the medieval city of Brasov along with other volunteers. Brasov is a lively and beautiful city, surrounded by towering mountain ranges. We include a trip to Dracula's Castle, but you can also go skiing, hiking, exploring local cities and culture, or just relaxing in the many bars, restaurants and cafes that Brasov has to offer.

Accommodation and food

Live in a self catered flat, sharing a room with one other volunteer. The accommodation is in a fantastic location just 5 minutes walk from the medieval city centre.

Project highlights

• Seeing brown bears up close every day - and helping to secure their wellbeing
• Exploring stunning Transylvania in your free time
• Working in nature during the day, but with all of the buzz of city life in the evenings and at the weekends
• Meeting volunteers from all around the world, and working together to improve bear welfare

Extra information about the organisation of this project

• You will be with other international volunteers from around the world
• There is 24/7 emergency support
• Speak to someone who has done this project - our experienced team have volunteered on all of our projects and know them intimately
• You will need travel insurance to be able to join this project - we can offer advice of what to look for in a travel insurance policy