On 29th October 2019, we transferred the two bears to our BEAR SANCTUARY Domazhyr near Lviv. On this day Dasha and Lelya left their old life behind – they were kept as a tourist attraction at a hotel and restaurant in Skole. Thanks to the Ukrainian authorities we were asked to take them over after the owners closed their business.

It is quite clear from the two bears behaviour that they'll need some more time to settle in completely. They are both very careful and slow in their movements. So far, Dasha seems to be braver one in comparison with shyer Lelya.

Dasha is already spending time outdoors and everyday takes a few more steps further from the indoor box. The other good news is that Lelya is not showing aggressive behaviour anymore, as was the case during and right after the rescue mission.

One thing is certain, both bears need more time to get used to their new surroundings, and that's completely normal considering what they have been through. The team on site is working patiently with them, and day by day, their progression will be even more visible.

We can say that both bears are coping quite well during these first days of their arrival at BEAR SANCTUARY Domazhyr. They are fed well and may even go for partial hibernation already this year, however time will show that best. Yesterday, they spent more time outdoors. Lelya stayed for longer outside, enjoyed foraging through the bushes and looked more relaxed while listened to the birds. In the other hand Dasha was more careful, and eventually attracted Lelya to follow her inside.

Their favourite meals at the moment is tasty boiled eggs and grapes.