Mici’s Journey Home: after 20 years in a cage next to a restaurant to a life she deserves ( video: don't miss the last minute, so rewarding! )

Bear Mici spent more than 20 years in a cage next to a restaurant in Slovenia. Once her owner declared he was willing to hand Mici over to FOUR PAWS, nothing stood in the way of her rescue anymore.

On November 25, 2025, Mici was brought to her new home, BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach.  

Her first three weeks, she spent in quarantine, in an adaption enclosure. As is the case with most bears that spent many years in captivity, Mici will need a lot of time to get used to her new home and all the new impressions, and to gain trust

In the meantime Mici got access to a smaller part of her outdoor enclosure. These would be too much of impressions for her, if she would immediately have access to the whole enclosure . So she can explore her sourroundings in small steps and gain safety and trustfulness. And Mici is very good in this. 

Mici is curious and she inspects toys, such as cardboard boxes filled with sawdust, with great interest and is rolling around in the sawdust with devotion. In the first few weeks in her new home, Mici slept outdoors. In the meantime, she has discovered the cave as a perfect place to relax and sleep.

14the of January 2026

UPDATE MICI: Rescued from captivity at a restaurant near Bled, Slovenia, she arrived safely in our@bearsanctuary.arbesbach🙏🏽 Now she finally gets the chance to live the life she truly deserves. Mici is taking her time to adjust, and we will give her all the love and support she needs. 💚

She is already showing trust towards her caregivers and is curiously exploring her adaptation enclosure. Mici loves to create her own cozy little places! For example, she dragged straw from her indoor enclosure outside to build a comfortable bed there. 🌾💤

Although she still seems a bit nervous at times (completely normal for newcomers), we have already discovered her favorite treats: pears, apples, grapes, and walnuts. So we will make sure she gets these regularly. 🍐🍎🍇🌰

We are confident that Mici will soon feel completely at home. Until then, we will continue to take good care of her and share her adventure with you. And look at her blossoming. Beautiful, isn't it? 🥰

#Arbesbach #Bears #AnimalRescue #AnimalWelfare

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