{"id":42953,"date":"2026-02-27T00:03:06","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T22:03:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vbansko.com\/?p=42953"},"modified":"2026-05-15T16:58:02","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T13:58:02","slug":"park-za-mechki-belitsa-argentina-gordo-florentia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vbansko.com\/en\/park-za-mechki-belitsa-argentina-gordo-florentsia\/","title":{"rendered":"Belitsa Bear Park: Gordo and Florence from Argentina start a new life (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"
For the first time in the history of Bulgaria, we are witnessing an unprecedented event \u2013 wild animals flew across the ocean from another continent to find their new home in our country. Two rescued bears<\/a> from Argentina are now officially residents of the famous Belitsa Bear Park<\/strong>. After an exhausting flight of over 13,000 kilometers, Gordo and Florence landed successfully at Sofia Airport and were transported to the foot of the Rila Mountain.<\/p>\n
Important for visitors:<\/strong> The park is located only 35 km from the winter resort Bansko,<\/a>, making it an ideal destination for a day trip during the spring and summer months.<\/div>\n

The road from the concrete cage to the forests of Rila<\/h2>\n

Until recently, Gordo and Florence were forced to live in extremely inadequate conditions in a former zoo in the city of Luj\u00e1n, near Buenos Aires. This facility was finally closed in 2020 due to systemic violations, but the animals remained captive to the concrete long after.<\/p>\n

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<\/strong> arrived weighing 350 kg \u2013 significantly above the healthy norm, while Florence<\/strong> weighs about 110 kg. Neither animal had the opportunity to step on real soil, grass or snow before arriving in Bulgaria.<\/p>\n

Bear Jet Lag: The Challenges Facing Belitsa Bear Park<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Will Gordo and Florence hibernate?<\/h3>\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
DATES<\/th>\nExpected behavior<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Current season<\/strong><\/td>\nAdaptation in closed sectors with a thick layer of straw. Without complete hibernation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Spring \u2013 Summer<\/strong><\/td>\nSynchronization of the biological clock with our hemisphere and transition to natural food.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Next winter<\/strong><\/td>\nRestoring the instincts for burrowing and hibernation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Logistics and Transport: The Mission Behind the Scenes<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Plan a visit from Bansko to Belitsa<\/h2>\n

If you are on vacation in Bansko or the region, Belitsa Bear Park<\/strong> is a must-see stop. The park, jointly managed by Four Paws and the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, is located in the Andrianov Chark area.<\/p>\n