Grief in the bear forest: Farewell to brown bear Mascha after 20 years

Grief in the bear forest: Farewell to brown bear Mascha after 20 years

Müritz, Deutschland - The Bärenwald Müritz unfortunately had to say goodbye to his long -time resident, the brown bear Mascha. The bear ladies lived in the protection center for almost 20 years, which was opened in 2006. Her life story is characterized by a long struggle for a better existence, far from the poor posture conditions in East Germany, where she used to live. Mascha was put to sleep due to serious health problems, including heart disease and arthrosis. The veterinarian Julia Bohner from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) was closely involved in her treatment and found that her health deteriorated rapidly in early summer, while she was still well taken care of. As n-tv in recent years and ultimately had to be cared for.

Mascha came together with another brown bear named Otto in 2006 to the Bärenwald Müritz. Her former owners had agreed to transfer the two to the Bear Protection Center and undertook not to keep any other bears. The handover was an important step for Mascha, which from then on could live in an area with ponds and caves. Until Otto's death in 2022, the two lived together. According to Otto's death, you could clearly see how much Mascha was affected by his loss. Her behavior changed, it was stressed and lethargic. But over time she found her playful and enjoyed being watched again while eating, swimming and roaming. Her small but important grief process was very touching for the team in the Bärenwald, as described in detail on the website of the Bärenwald Müritz. Bärenwald Müritz leaves no doubt that Mascha was a very special bear.

The way to the bear protection center

The work of organizations such as four paws is of great importance when it comes to saving bears from problematic attitudes. The animal welfare organization for bears has been committed in need since 1998 and has successfully freed more than 200 bears from unworthy living conditions in these over 30 years. The objective is clear: the keeping of brown bears in Europe is to stop and the bear farms in countries such as Vietnam will be ended. Four paws uncovered grievances in bear farming and offers these animals a safe and species -appropriate home in their protective centers, as can be read on their website. An example of their successes is the rescue of Mascha and Otto, who were able to live in a habitat corresponding to them after their liberation. Four paws estimates the importance of such initiatives to help animals in need.

The sad news of Mascha's death leaves a large gap in the Bärenwald Müritz. Your life is an urgent example of the challenges with which many animals are confronted and illustrates impressively how important it is to offer you a safe home. Although we mourn MACHA's loss today, their inheritance remains alive, and the bear forest will continue to fight for the well -being of the animals that have lived in similar situations such as Mascha and Otto and can look forward to a better life in a protection center.