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Volunteer with Bears in Romania

by: Oyster Worldwide

9.96 (27)Verified

Help care for over 90 bears in Eastern Europe's largest bear sanctuary located in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. The bears are 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 h...

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Program Highlights

Enjoy seeing the bears each day, playing in either the trees or ponds, fighting together, or eating the delicious food that you prepare for them.

Watch the bears from the underground viewing tunnel or the treetop walkway.

Get close to the bears each day, getting to know their personalities and traits.

Live in the beautiful medieval city of Brasov and enjoy its art, culture, food, and social scene.

Explore stunning Transylvania in your free time - from Dracula's Castle to the mountains and from charming towns to historical sites!

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Brasov, Romania
Availability
Year(s) Offered2020,2021,Year RoundDuration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
Age Requirement:Varies
Types & Subjects
Causes:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Conservation
  • Tourism
Guidelines:
  • American
  • European
  • Canadian
  • Australian
  • South African
See all program details

Awards

Gap Year Association

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.96

Total Reviews

27

Gain new experiences

August 26, 2025by: Eva EllmersProgram: Volunteer with Bears in Romania
10

It was really great to gain new experiences with Oyter Worldwide while volunteering with Bears in Romania, get some different insights and immerse myself in a totally different world with some new people.

This small scale, utterly unique experience was really special

August 14, 2025by: Sarah GrantProgram: Volunteer with Bears in Romania
10

LOVED my time in Braşov and at the sanctuary. The fact that it’s a different set up to previous volunteer work that I’ve done took a quick minute for my brain to adjust - but this small scale, utterly unique experience was really special. I was totally happy working on my own, especially with a view out to the adolescent bear’s enclosure. Brilliant. I’ve never met an on-location rep with such attention to detail and proficiency. The flat was great, everything I needed, warm and comfortable. Loads to do around the town, culture, restaurants, people watching, hiking. I was never bored and it was easy to fill any time off. Bolt on transfer was efficient and I really liked the driver Ovi, we discussed every topic under the sun. Very amusing, great company - I learnt a lot about family life in Romania with 2.4 children.

Fills my soul with joy

August 05, 2025by: Adam FalshawProgram: Volunteer with Bears in Romania
10

I've not long returned from Romania and am already pining to go back. The sanctuary is my happy place and Brasov is the city I love. Working at the sanctuary for my 4th time was as special as it was the 1st time. Seeing the bears every day, living a happy life, fills my soul with joy. Since I first volunteered in 2018 Razvan has become a dear friend who always goes above and beyond his role, whether you are there for the first time or a returning volunteer. I can't possibly say enough positive things about this experience.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Brasov, Romania

Types and Subjects

  • Causes
  • Animal Welfare
  • Conservation
  • Tourism

Availability

Years Offered: 2020,2021,Year Round

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks

Age Requirement

Age Requirement Varies

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Group

Accommodation Options

  • Apartment/Flat

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Phone/Video Interview
    • In-Person Interview when Feasible
    • Online Application

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