Alternatives Wolf and Bear Park Black Forest

Dhe Alternative Wolf and Bear Park Black Forest is located in the idyllic Wolftal valley in Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach, on the edge of the Black Forest National Park. It is called “alternative” because the animals living here come from poor, inappropriate husbandry. Here, brown bears, wolves and lynxes find a new, near-natural home on 10 hectares of forest. The park was built in 2010 by over 700 volunteers in 150 days. Even today, our work is still supported by numerous volunteers. The park residents, who often have behavioral problems, have a natural habitat within the fenced-in outdoor facilities that is largely unaffected by humans. The varied landscape with woodland and meadow areas, slopes and a natural watercourse offers many elements that enrich the animals’ lives (natural enrichment). Here they can rediscover their original instincts. The animals have the opportunity, often for the first time in their lives, to pursue their natural needs: exploring the terrain, hiding, bathing, climbing, playing, digging. Each bear has a den for hibernation with plenty of natural material. After the snow melts, they can pluck the first tender greenery in the enclosures. They find grass, essential herbs and, later in the year, wild berries and many microorganisms as a protein-rich food supplement. Feeding is as natural as possible. There are no fixed feeding times or places. The food, 80% of which is plant-based for the bears, is thrown over the fence into the thickets at irregular times and distributed to encourage the animals to forage and exercise. Where possible, meat is fed as whole carcasses, such as deer, stags and calves. The animals do the carving themselves, which keeps them busy in a natural way, also through interaction with the other animals.

An important point in providing variety for our animals is the socialization of bears with each other and with wolves or lynxes. Even in the wild, where sufficient food sources are available (e.g. salmon spawning waters), larger gatherings of bears can be found, which come to terms without any major conflicts. Bears and wolves or bears and lynxes occur together in many natural habitats. They are sometimes food competitors, which means that the animals keep an eye on each other and generally remain alert. Some of our bears have developed severe behavioral disorders during their long years in captivity. Living in the outdoor enclosures together with other animals helps them to discover their natural behavioral patterns so that they can gradually overcome their disorders. The outdoor enclosures are divided into different areas so that the animals can be separated from each other if necessary. One section is intended as a so-called senior residence for old, frail residents who can receive special care here until the end of their lives. The wolves and lynxes each have their own retreat area, to which the bears have no access. With over 80,000 visitors a year, the park is not only a tourist highlight in the region, but also contributes to a better understanding of the three large predators and the need to protect animals, nature and species with its numerous guided tours, adventure and educational programs.

Image source/author: Stiftung für Bären