Two Argentine Bears Flown to Bulgaria for New Life at Belitsa Sanctuary

Filip Pavlov, BTA correspondent Desislava Velkova

Bear Sanctuary in Belitsa (BTA Photo/Krasimir Nikolov)

Belitsa, Southwestern Bulgaria,

24.02.2026 14:34

(BTA)

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Two bears from Argentina were on their way from South America to Bulgaria on Tuesday, the Four Paws Foundation said. For the first time in Bulgaria’s history, wild animals are expected to arrive by plane from another continent.

The bears, whose names are Gordo and Florence, were rescued during a mission by a Four Paws team at a zoo in Lujan, Buenos Aires province. They have went through months of preparation, logistical challenges and training in order to be ready for their journey and are expected to land at Vasil Levski Airport in Sofia, after which they will be driven to their new home at the Bear Sanctuary Belitsa.

Currently, 15 bears live at the Bear Sanctuary Belitsa, only six of which are dancing bears. The sanctuary also houses bears from other Balkan countries, dancing bears or bears raised in poor conditions. The oldest of them is Svetla, who is 35 years old, while the youngest bears are Riku, Teddy, and Iva, who are housed in a sector with another young bear, Yeta.

In 2025, the Four Paws Foundation celebrated 25 years since its establishment in Bulgaria and the opening of the Bear Sanctuary Belitsa in the presence of representatives of the international nature conservation organization and the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, as well as many people involved in animal welfare and the protection of their rights.

/NF/