Rehabilitate European brown bears - Romania

Product Details

Overview

Work in demanding yet hugely rewarding placements in one of the few undiscovered regions of Eastern Europe. Work from one week to three months at Eastern Europe’s first bear sanctuary to give abused brown bears a new lease of life.

If you love animals and the idea of working in Romania’s beautiful countryside we can arrange for you to help at a newly opened bear sanctuary.

What will I do?

There are over 30 bears currently at the brand new sanctuary. The bears are being rehabilitated after years of misery in circuses or as tourist attractions in tiny cages. It is fantastic to see these beautiful animals living happier lives and you will help achieve this by working alongside a very dedicated team of Romanian workers.

You have to be happy to turn your hand to all tasks in the day to day running. Volunteers need to enjoy being outdoors, be passionate about bears and be able to do moderately physical work as part of a team. The nature of the work means that volunteers wanting to stay from 1 week to 3 months are all equally welcome and valued.

The sanctuary is a 25 minute drive from Brasov and you will travel each day with the other staff in the sanctuaries transport. The Sanctuary is overlooked by mountains and is a wonderful, tranquil place to work.

Where will I live?

You will be based in Brasov living in a comfortable, central flat that Oyster will rent for you and your fellow volunteers. Please expect to share a room. You can go out or cook for yourself in the evening. We believe that living in relative comfort is important and should help you unwind when you are working hard.

Short term volunteers (for the bear sanctuary) can be placed in very central comfortable hotel or self catering accommodation.

How can I spend my free time?

You’ll have the advantage of working in the peace of the forest, but living and socialising in a vibrant and picturesque city. Brasov has a lovely square, fine historical buildings and lively nightlife. There is plenty to do, both in the city and the surrounding countryside (Count Dracula’s castle and a skiing area are close by).

Our volunteers have really enjoyed exploring this relatively unknown part of Europe and you will too - especially if you love forests, mountains and medieval towns.

Oyster Worldwide Support

Our friendly UK team will be there to help you up to your departure, making sure that all the arrangements are in place. Shortly before you leave we’ll hold a pre-departure course where you’ll meet fellow volunteers and get thorough preparation to help you with working and living in Romania.

Your placements have been arranged by our experienced bilingual representative; he will meet your group at Bucharest airport and you will have the first couple of days to visit the various projects and find your way around Brasov. His role is to be a helpful friend to you and to steer you through difficulties of any kind. He will keep us updated on your health and welfare.

You will see him regularly at work and at informal outings and his support on arrival, whilst you settle in, and during your placements will ensure your time away is as productive and fulfilling as possible.

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Our users say...

"My placement at the bear sanctuary is set in beautiful countryside overlooked by mountains. We work outside and I'm always gazing at the breathtaking views and feel so lucky to be here. We all eat together outside; the locals make a lot of traditional food at home to bring to the sanctuary and it's always fresh and delicious.

It is fantastic and very moving to see these beautiful animals back in the wild living happy lives in a natural environment. I've been filmed collecting acorns for the bears by Animal Planet who have been filming here for 3 weeks.

I feel very honoured to be here working with the dedicated staff and being part of something that is so important to ensure the ongoing protection of bears. I am really enjoying myself here and don't want to go home! Romania has had a terrible history but the country has some of the warmest and friendliest people I've ever met. My advice is to come here with an open mind and an open heart and you will have the experience of a lifetime". - Anna McDermott