Brown Bear Teddy

Teddy was born in January 1994 at Tierpark Westerhausen. Although her enclosure was renovated in the early 2000s, it primarily consisted of concrete, rocks, small trees, scattered shrubs, and a large swimming pool. This environment was not suitable for Teddy, especially given her age, as the ground was sloping and access to the pool was only possible via a staircase, which caused her difficulties due to her age. Teddy also had access to an indoor den in the bear house. 

Although Teddy’s enclosure at Tierpark Westerhausen met the minimum requirements for keeping brown bears in Germany, it was unsuitable for her due to her age. FOUR PAWS believes that wild animals, particularly bears and big cats, should only be kept in human care if the highest standards of animal welfare and husbandry are guaranteed.  

Fortunately, in 2025, the new management team at Tierpark Westerhausen decided in 2025 to improve Teddy's living conditions. So, they voluntarily hand her over to the animal welfare organisation VIER PFOTEN, so that the elderly bear can enjoy a better rest of her life at BÄRENWALD Müritz, roaming the spacious, natural forest enclosures that provide species-appropriate conditions.

Tierpark Westerhausen will discontinue keeping bears in future and will also refrain from keeping other large carnivores. FOUR PAWS acknowledges Tierpark Westerhausen on this animal-friendly decision and hopes that other facilities in Germany will also abandon their inappropriate keeping of wild animals.