Animal Sanctuary
Bear Sanctuary Prishtina
Bear Sanctuary Prishtina is Kosovo’s haven of compassion, where rescued brown bears, once held captive in restaurant cages, now roam freely across 16 hectares of forested refuge.
Getting There
Located in Mramor, 22 km southeast of Pristina, near Badovc Lake. Accessible by car or taxi; parking on site.
Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00–16:00; closed Mondays. Daily 10:00–19:00 (Summer).
Accessibility: Asphalt paths. Wheelchair accessible.
Alpine Expedition Guide & Wilderness Expert
Fisnik Kelmendi
Insider tips
Admission: Entry fee applies; discounts available for children and groups.
Best Time: Visit from March to November when bears are active. Mornings (10:00-11:00).
Closed between the 24th of December, 2025, and the 13th of February 2026.
Photography: Allowed; best captured from designated viewing platforms.
Best Angle: The "Skywalk" bridge.
Food: Excellent on-site bistro.
Loacally Know as
Pylli i Arinjve Prishtina
For decades, brown bears in Kosovo were kept illegally in small cages outside restaurants, used as roadside attractions to lure customers. These “restaurant bears” endured cramped conditions, poor nutrition, and psychological trauma. With no legal framework to protect them, the practice persisted until international pressure and local advocacy led to reform.
In 2013, FOUR PAWS International partnered with Kosovo’s Ministry of Environment to establish Bear Sanctuary Prishtina. The sanctuary spans 16 hectares of forested terrain near Badovc Lake and provides lifelong care for rescued bears. Each enclosure is designed to mimic natural habitats, with trees, ponds, climbing structures, and hibernation shelters.
Currently home to over 20 brown bears, the sanctuary offers veterinary care, behavioral enrichment, and a safe environment for animals that cannot be returned to the wild. Many of the bears were rescued from Albania and Kosovo, and each has a documented rescue story shared with visitors.
Beyond animal care, the sanctuary serves as an educational center. Its “Thesaret e Natyrës” program teaches children and youth about biodiversity, animal rights, and environmental stewardship. Guided tours and exhibitions help raise awareness about the ethical treatment of wildlife.
Bear Sanctuary Prishtina stands as a model of compassionate conservation - transforming cruelty into care and offering a second chance to Kosovo’s most iconic mammals.
