Were you tempted to join WSPA’s recent Bear Adventure – the sponsored walking challenge in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains – but couldn’t get organised in time? Why not think about it for this year? More than 40 people joined in last year’s two treks in September and October, and almost £80,000 was raised in sponsorship. WSPA walker Jane Eost (left), from East Sussex, is just one supporter who completed the 60 km walk which covered mountain wildernesses, Dracula’s castle and a visit to the Romanian bear sanctuary. When asked to describe her trip for WSPA News readers, she said: “I thought the Bear Trek of 07 was a ‘total’ experience. It was filled with lots of laughs and new friends. I’ve also fallen in love with trekking and the last day, seeing the bears looking fat and content in a healthy environment, was wonderful and so worthwhile.” For details of the next trip – from 11-17 May 2008 – please contact: Jane Rockliffe, WSPA, 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP. You can also e-mail fundraising@wspa.org.uk or call 0800 316972. Trekking it for bears Climbing high: Bears at the sanctuary enjoy the freedom of behaving naturally FEATURE © www.martinusbourne.com Water life: The sanctuary has lakes and ponds in which the rescued bears can swim and fish 12 WSPA NEWS | ISSUE 2

Thanks to you more than 26 captive bears have been rescued from terrible conditions across Romania and are now living safely in the WSPA-funded sanctuary. During the autumn of last year, two lucky supporters paid them a visit... WSPA News reports... WSPA raffle winner Yvonne Tulip, from London, was so passionate about bears that she turned down the £5,000 cash first prize for the offered alternative – a trip to Romania and a guided tour around WSPA’s bear sanctuary for herself and a friend. “I was once told that money comes and goes and lasts but a little while, but memories last forever. So I chose the memories over the cash” explained Yvonne. Because the 70-hectare sanctuary near Zarnesti is not yet open to the public, Yvonne and her friend Maggie Hughes enjoyed a day of exclusive access in the company of WSPA bear experts, John Beecham and Victor Watkins. Together they watched rescued bear Odi playing contentedly with a stick, and brother and sister bears, Hansel and Gretel, splashing about in one of the pools. “To see such natural, relaxed behaviour from animals so abused was a privilege for us to behold,” said Yvonne. While Yvonne and Maggie were busy observing bear behaviour, some sanctuary residents were also keen to watch them. Christi and Lydia – the sanctuary’s earliest residents – were particularly curious. They padded over to their enclosure fence to get a close-up view of their human visitors. Both had been saved from appalling roadside zoos. Christi – a huge male – was terrified when he arrived, and he quickly formed a bond with Lydia. Although bears are typically solitary animals, Christi and Lydia are now as inseparable as a married couple. The sanctuary also provides a safe haven for cubs. Its long-term plan is to rear them and return them to the wild wherever possible. Yvonne and Maggie were briefly introduced to one-year-old Miro, who was rescued eight months ago, after his mother was killed. “When the sanctuary officially opens later this year, staff will be careful to minimise human contact with cubs like Miro – this is important to give them a chance of survival in the wild,” said Victor. Good companions: Although bears are usually solitary creatures these two have developed a special bond at the WSPA sanctuary FEATURE ‘Priceless’ bear trip thrills supporters Thank you! Once complete the sanctuary will provide a safe and natural home for almost 100 rescued bears and include a visitor and education centre. To be able to free these beautiful animals from captivity and give them a happy and peaceful life is fantastic, and it’s all thanks to the ongoing support of people like Yvonne, Maggie, and, of course, you. Watch out for details of WSPA’s next raffle in the spring. You could be our next winner! Winning team: Yvonne Tulip (right) and Maggie Hughes (left) on their trip of a lifetime WSPA NEWS | ISSUE 2