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

Title (Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms) Forename Surname Address Postcode Your support is vital to the work we do and we thank you so much for it. We also respect your privacy and would assure you that WSPA fully complies with the Data Protection Act 1998. We will not, under any circumstances, share your legacy information with any other organisations and all correspondence will be dealt with in strictest confidence. A world without animal cruelty isn’t a distant dream. Because people like you – who care about treating animals with compassion and respect – are already making a huge difference. Your support has relieved the pain and suffering of so many animals. It’s helped WSPA to: • Care for stray and unwanted cats and dogs that are often persecuted and abused • Help working horses, donkeys and mules whose owners cannot look after them properly • Save animals affected by natural disasters like floods and earthquakes SHARE OUR VISION NWS0019 • Protect and rescue the world’s wild animals that can be cruelly exploited for commercial gain . We’d be so grateful if you could consider continuing your wonderful work for animals after your lifetime. By remembering WSPA with a gift in your Will, you will be helping us plan for the future and realise our shared vision of a world that cares for its animals. If you would like to discuss how to remember WSPA with a gift in your Will, or you simply want more information, please call Kathy Rich in the legacies department on 020 7587 5000 or complete the coupon below and send it back to us. All calls and contacts will be treated in the strictest confidence. IN MEMORY Imagine a world where animals no longer suffer at the hands of humans. Where majestic whales are no longer harpooned for their meat, and bear cubs are no longer poached from the wild to be farmed for their bile. You can help WSPA make this vision a reality… “I believe that by remembering WSPA in my will, I will be supporting them in building a brighter future for animals, which will also make a better world for my children and future generations. I am very proud to support WSPA’s work.” Michelle Cowie, Claygate, Surrey Yes, I’d like to hear more about WSPA legacies