Ten bears at the Nymfaio Bears Sanctuary have their first spring strolls, as the absence of snow and the spring weather meant that the bears took a relatively short nap! This year, the winter has been so mild that the bears’ hibernation lasted for only about 1.5 months (mid January - late February).

According to an announcement on Thursday (27.02) from Arcturos NGO, the bears are now up and ready for visitors daily, starting from this Saturday (03.01).

As every year, the two younger bears, Manolis and Kyriakos awoke first and slowly followed them and Vesna, Mitsos, Sarah and Tasoula with Barbara. Giorgakis and Irene, once again shared their den, and woke up together, but still prefer to spend most of their time indoors. At present, most bears are languid and their appetite has not returned yet, which is normal when waking from hibernation.

The only one that still remains in his den is George, as he is older, he sleeps first and wakes up last. George and Tasoula slept in natural dens within the refuge while Barbara rebuilt her den, in which she spent the winter.

Greek News Agenda: Meet the Bears!