Rescuing Animals in Bulgaria – Or Foreigners with Causes
Rescuing Animals in Bulgaria – Or Foreigners with Causes

Summary/Abstract: In 2000, the first ‘Dancing Bear Park’ was opened in Bulgaria. Located on the southern side of the Rila Mountains, in the vicinity of the town of Belitsa, it became a sanctuary for nearly 30 bears that had been rescued from a life of street entertainment. The park was created with the active participation and support of the French actress Brigitte Bardot and was one of the first examples of animal sanctuaries built with the help of a foreign citizen. The world-famous star never lived in Bulgaria, but today many expats who have settled or reside in the country also have a special attitude towards the animals here and Bulgarian nature in general. Moreover, for some, taking care of local street animals has become a mission. This paper will explore their reasons for devoting themselves to the care of street animals and to the preservation of Bulgarian nature. The research will also try to answer the question: ‘What do Bulgarians learn from these foreigners?’

• Details
• Contents