Conference was held on April 15th in Cesky Krumlov and aimed to provide experts, zoologists, researchers, and the wider public with essential insights into the current state of captive bears welfare and management. The conference was organized within the framework of the ‘BEAR HOPE’ project. The principal organizer was the National Heritage Institute (CZ) in collaboration with Stiftung für Bären (DE) and Bears in Mind (NL), two internationally recognized organizations in the field of bear welfare and conservation.
The conference addressed key topics, including standards and modern practices in bear management, captive bears behavior, welfare and health, as well as the cultural and historical significance of bear keeping in Český Krumlov. Bear experts from Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and Canada shareed their research findings and professional experience. Our team member, dr hab. Agnieszka Sergiel, presented the state-of-the-art on captive bears behaviour and welfare. The primary objective of the conference was to understand and address issues related to the bear keeping in castle moats in the Czech Republic. Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the ‘BEAR HOPE’ project, within the framework of which our Institute participates in ongoing study of tourists’ perceptions of such bear keepings, as well as of current initiatives of the Stiftung für Bären and Bears in Mind organizations, dedicated to the protection and improvement of welfare standards for captive bears. This conference represented a unique platform for professionals and stakeholders to engage in informed dialogue and contribute to shaping the future of bears kept outside their natural habitat.
More on a conference and Bear Hope project you can check here https://medvedinadeje.org/en/project-bear-hope-background-and-information/