Sanctuaire de l'ours de la Liberté à Zarnesti

The decision to go from Poiana Marului to Zarnesti and walk for an hour in the biggest brown bears sanctuary in the world was the best choice in a beautiful morning of autumn. Libearty Bear Sanctuary was easy to reach by car (13 km from Poiana Marului) but the walk started in fact at the main entrance, through the woods by the enclosures, accompanied by a well-informed guide, at times when the bears approach the fences. Libearty is not a zoo. The sanctuary is the home (an area of 69 hectares) of over 100 former captive bears, most of whom endured a bad treatment (and sometimes torture) at zoos, circuses or owners. Some wolves and deers also live here. The animals are kept in an environment that is as close as possible to their natural habitat in the wild. A lot of clean and natural areas to roam freely, without any interaction with the visitors. The sanctuary is kids and dogs friendly as long as kids are age 5+ and the dogs can stay quiet and calm in front of the bears. Wonderful place, amazing story, unique experience, great people, easy and educational noon walk.