The bear siblings Michal and Alice have already completed the initial phase of acclimatization, and their behavior shows that they are gradually becoming accustomed to their space. The project thus offers not only a strong story of return but also opens the backstage of how modern care for large predators works in a European context.
What a bear's home looks like in the forest
The bears have access to a natural enclosure of approximately 5,400 m², located directly in the mountain forest under the Tree Top Walk.
The area includes resting zones, natural shelters, feeding areas, and water features that the bears use for cooling off and entertainment. The entire enclosure is designed to support their natural behaviors and provide ample space and privacy.
“Our goal was to create an environment that allows the bears to live as naturally as possible. The forest is not just a backdrop, but their real home – with places for resting, moving, and shelter,” says Miroslav Matas, director of the Tree Top Walk Krkonoš.
The first weeks: how the bears settle in
The acclimatization of the bears after their transfer to the new environment took place gradually and sensitively. In the first days, they were cautious and sought out the quieter parts of the enclosure. However, over time they began to be more active, exploring new parts of the space and moving naturally throughout the entire enclosure. Today, their normal behaviors can be observed – movement, interest in their surroundings and food, as well as resting in the shelters they choose themselves.
“It is crucial for them to have enough peace and to be able to adjust their pace themselves. We can tell by their behavior – they are active, interested in their surroundings, and have no problem accepting food. It is clear that they are gradually becoming accustomed to the space. With each passing day, they are more confident, moving more, and responding naturally to their environment. This is a clear signal for us that they feel good,” adds Natálie Poděbradská, a bear caretaker from Safari Park Dvůr Králové.
What bears need for a happy life
An important part of their care is a varied and balanced diet. Approximately 75% of their diet consists of fruits and vegetables, supplemented with other components including meat. Feeding occurs regularly, but in a way that supports natural behaviors – for example, searching for food or gradually discovering it in the enclosure. The daily routine of the bears combines periods of activity, rest, and spontaneous movement. Emphasis is placed on maintaining their natural habits and avoiding stress.
What visitors will see
The experience of the Bear Trail is based on authenticity. Visitors can observe the bears in an environment that corresponds to their natural way of life – not in a classic exhibit.
The best chance of seeing them is during their active times, typically in the morning and afternoon. However, the bears also have the option to retreat to quiet zones at any time.
“Visitors can enjoy real animal observation – sometimes it requires patience, other times it’s about luck. This unpredictability is the closest we can get to experiencing a meeting with the wild,” says Miroslav Matas.
How the background and care work
The bears are cared for by an experienced team of keepers from Safari Park Dvůr Králové, who ensure daily care and monitoring of their health status.
The entire operation complies with strict safety regulations and is designed to ensure both the safety of visitors and maximum peace for the animals. In case of need, specialized veterinary care is available.
Why it all makes sense
The bears in the Krkonoš enclosure are not just part of the visitor experience. They are involved in the European Endangered Species Breeding Program (EEP), which aims to preserve the genetic diversity of endangered species.
The protection of the gene pool is one of the key reasons why such projects are created. Animals that cannot return to the wild find a dignified home and also contribute to the long-term protection of their species.
“Such projects make sense precisely because they connect the care of specific animals with broader species conservation. Preserving genetic diversity is a fundamental topic today, and without international cooperation, it would not be possible,” concludes Miroslav Matas.
Bear Trail
The project was created in the area of the Tree Top Walk Krkonoš as part of a long-term effort to bring visitors closer to the nature of Krkonoš and its natural inhabitants. (The Tree Top Walk is part of a family of 12 completed Walks in Europe and Canada)
The enclosure of 5,400 m² provides the bears with an environment of mountain forest with opportunities for natural movement, shelters, and quiet zones. The project was created in cooperation with experts in nature conservation and zoological institutions (Administration of Krkonoš National Park, Safari Park Dvůr Králové nad Labem, ZOO Košice, Zoopark Chomutov, etc.).
Opening hours of the Tree Top Walk Krkonoš
The Tree Top Walk Krkonoš in Janské Lázně is open daily throughout the year. In the winter months (January–March and November–December), it is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, in spring and autumn (April, May, October) from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and in the main summer season (June–August) from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM. The last entry is always possible one hour before the end of opening hours. The path is fully accessible and is located on the outskirts of Janské Lázně.
More information: https://treetop-walks.com/krkonose/medvedi-stezka-krkonose/
Photo: Tree Top Walk Krkonoš/Jan Bartoš
