Bear home in Veresegyházi

In Veresegyház, on November 24, 1998, Central Europe’s only bear sanctuary opened. In its 3.5-hectare continuous enclosure, dozens of bears can play freely. The park also houses wolves.

Bears
Two artificial lakes have been created for the bears, which are regularly refilled. These provide drinking water, and crucian carp have been stocked in the lakes. Although the bears can’t catch them, chasing the fish is a fun activity for them.

To best replicate their natural habitat, a 1.5-hectare pine forest offers shelter and the opportunity to climb trees. Eight artificial caves with narrow entrances but spacious interiors are scattered throughout the area. Each cave can house two to three bears.

In the snack bar, visitors can buy treats (carrots, honey) for the animals. A long-handled wooden spoon is provided free of charge for feeding honey (even for honey brought from home). The bears lick the delicious honey off the long spoons with amazing skill.

Wolves
In the summer of 2000, a wolf enclosure was created using the same proven technology as for the bears. The wolves are kept in natural conditions, allowing them to roam freely throughout their territory and form packs as they wish. The enclosure is surrounded by a jump-proof fence, as wolves can leap over fences with incredible agility, even with electric barriers.

Dense vegetation has been planted in their area so the wolves can hide from each other or from visitors if they feel the need. A 2-meter-deep artificial lake has also been built, ensuring natural conditions for the wolves.

Other Animals
Besides bears and wolves, the sanctuary is home to other animals such as raccoons, red-nosed coatis, and reindeer.

In 2015, an exhibit called “Barátkozoo” (“Friend Zoo”) opened, featuring llamas, emus, chinchillas, mini pigs, domestic rabbits, Cameroon dwarf goats, Saanen goats, Hortobágy racka sheep, and domestic chickens.