After more than three decades in a small concrete cage beside a roadside restaurant in Kočevje, Slovenia, 34-year-old bear Felix has finally found freedom. On May 8th, global animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS rescued Felix, one of Slovenia’s last two remaining “restaurant bears,” and gave him a well-deserved retirement at BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach in Lower Austria.
Felix’s rescue followed a public campaign by FOUR PAWS, which gathered nearly 100,000 supporters calling for the release of five Slovenian bears kept in poor private conditions. In February, his owner agreed to surrender him, finally choosing a better future for the aging bear.
“At 34 years, bear Felix is a lovely oldie, and it fills us with joy to finally provide him with a bear-worthy life for the time he has left. We are looking forward to seeing him thrive. For the first time ever, he can now feel the soil under his paws. His curious nature will help to make himself comfortable in his new home. Right after his arrival, he started to familiarize himself with his acclimatization enclosure and enjoyed some snacks, which is a good sign. Our experienced team at BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach will support him in settling in, which sometimes can be challenging for senior animals,” said Patricia Tiplea, Head of Wild Animal Rescue and Advocacy at FOUR PAWS, who joined his rescue.
The eight-hour journey to Austria was overseen by an experienced team and a wildlife vet from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna. Upon arrival, Felix wasted no time exploring. He stepped cautiously out of his transport box, drank water, nibbled snacks, dug his first pit, and built a straw bed, simple joys he had never known.
Now, for the first time in his life, Felix can roam a forested 1,600 m² outdoor enclosure designed for a senior bear. It features shady trees, a large pond with shallow areas, and soft ground under his paws. His indoor space is warm and cozy, with hay and straw for comfort. Due to his age and health, he suffers from joint disease and impaired vision, he’ll begin with three weeks in a smaller acclimatization area as his caretakers develop a personalized treatment plan.
FOUR PAWS’ team, including Head of Wild Animal Rescue Patricia Tiplea and Austria Director Eva Rosenberg, described his rescue as deeply emotional. They will continue monitoring him closely to ensure his golden years are filled with comfort, safety, and enrichment.
While Felix is now safe, two bears, Mici and Tim, are still suffering in captivity in Slovenia. FOUR PAWS is urging their owners to allow them the same chance at a dignified life. Tragically, two other bears meant to be rescued alongside Felix have already died.
To support the rescue of Mici and Tim, you can sign FOUR PAWS’ petition and help end the private keeping of bears in Slovenia HERE!
BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach is one of seven operated by FOUR PAWS and is home to four rescued brown bears— Felix, Brumca, Erich, and Mark—spread across 14,000 m² of natural habitat.
