The road from the concrete cage to the forests of Rila
Until recently, Gordo and Florence were forced to live in extremely inadequate conditions in a former zoo in the city of Luján, near Buenos Aires. This facility was finally closed in 2020 due to systemic violations, but the animals remained captive to the concrete long after.
Instead of roaming miles of forest, they spent their lives in cramped cells measuring just 12 square meters. Lack of exercise and an unhealthy diet took their toll on their health. Proudly arrived weighing 350 kg – significantly above the healthy norm, while Florence weighs about 110 kg. Neither animal had the opportunity to step on real soil, grass or snow before arriving in Bulgaria.
Bear Jet Lag: The Challenges Facing Belitsa Bear Park
One of the biggest challenges facing the new residents is the abrupt change in climate and the reversal of seasons. Gordo and Florence literally flew out of the end of the South American summer and landed in the heart of the Bulgarian winter. The temperature difference they have to deal with exceeds 30 degrees Celsius.
Will Gordo and Florence hibernate?
The question of the biological clock of animals is extremely interesting to experts. In Argentina, temperatures rarely drop so low as to provoke the natural instinct to hibernate. Here is what experts from the Four Paws Foundation predict:
| Period | Expected behavior |
|---|---|
| Current season | Adaptation in closed sectors with a thick layer of straw. Without complete hibernation. |
| Spring – Summer | Synchronization of the biological clock with our hemisphere and transition to natural food. |
| Next winter | Restoring the instincts for burrowing and hibernation. |
Logistics and Transport: The Mission Behind the Scenes
Transporting bears across the ocean is a complex logistical operation. Before the flight, the bears underwent special training (crate training) to get used to their transport cages. This is a critical step to ensure minimal stress. During the entire flight, they were accompanied by veterinarians who monitored their vital signs.
Plan a visit from Bansko to Belitsa
If you are on vacation in Bansko or the region, Belitsa Bear Park is a must-see stop. The park, jointly managed by Four Paws and the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, is located in the Andrianov Chark area.
- 📍 Distance: About 35 km from the center of Bansko.
- 🚗 Travel time: Approximately 45-50 minutes through the town of Belitsa.
- 🕒 Working hours: The park usually opens to visitors in April (after the rest of the bears' winter sleep ends).
What lies ahead for the new residents?
Gordo and Florence are currently in a mandatory quarantine period. Their first meals on Bulgarian soil included their favorite apples and grapes. After a successful adaptation, they will join the other rescued “dancing bears” in the vast forest enclosures to experience freedom for the first time in their lives.
This article is part of the information campaign for wildlife conservation in the Pirin and Rila region. Visit Belitsa and become part of the new life of Gordo and Florence.
