Bear Remembrance Day 2024: Protection for our bears

Bear Remembrance Day on 26 June reminds us of the importance of bear conservation. Initiated in honour of Bruno the brown bear, this day aims to raise awareness of how to deal with large carnivores. The reason for Bear Memorial Day lies in Bruno’s fate, which shows how necessary it is to establish protective measures for bears and enable them to live together in harmony.

The most important facts at a glance

• Bear Memorial Day, initiated by the Foundation for Bears, commemorates the protection of bears and other large carnivores in Germany on 26 June.
• The day is intended to raise awareness of the right of bears to live in freedom and remind us of the tragic story of Bruno, Germany’s first brown bear in 170 years.
• One year after Bruno was shot, the day of remembrance was established to commemorate all bears shot and those in poor living conditions and to raise awareness for their protection.
• Various activities such as reintroduction projects, educational campaigns and fundraising campaigns support bear conservation and promote harmonious coexistence between humans and animals.

First Bear Memorial Day: an overview

Bear Memorial Day, which takes place on 26 June, is more than just another event in our calendar. It’s a day that reminds us that we need to give our furry neighbours a place not only in our hearts, but also in our world, so that they don’t just have to languish in books or as an image on a teddy bear. This special day was initiated by the Foundation for Bears in memory of Bruno the brown bear and all other bears who suffered or lost their lives at the hands of humans.

It is a day to inform and educate ourselves on how we can better protect bears and other large carnivores. A collection of greetings and speeches from prominent guests who took part in Bear Remembrance Day emphasises the importance of this occasion.

With the right information, we can use Bear Remembrance Day to sharpen our focus on nature and our own actions. It is about building a bridge between humans and nature and showing that Germany is prepared to put its paws out for the protection of these majestic animals.

Bear Remembrance Day also calls on us not only to remember past events, but also to act proactively for the future of bears and other carnivores.

Why do we celebrate Bear Memorial Day?

Bear Remembrance Day plays a crucial role in raising awareness of species conservation. But why do we dedicate an entire day to this particular predator? The answer lies in the tragic story of Bruno, which shows us how important it is to be prepared for the coexistence of humans and animals and to strengthen the acceptance of large carnivores. Bruno was not just any brown bear, but the first of his kind to have German soil under his paws again after centuries.

This day, which was established in 2007 by the German Foundation for Bears, is a reminder that bears have a right to live in freedom and do not have to languish in cruel conditions. It is an opportunity to educate the public about the need to integrate bears and other large carnivores such as wolves and lynxes harmoniously into our society. A rethink is still needed in Germany to ensure that events like the shooting of Bruno are not repeated.

The story of Bruno

To fully understand the significance of Bear Remembrance Day, we need to take a look at the fate of Bruno. The first brown bear to be sighted in Germany for over 170 years, Bruno caused both excitement and concern among people. He came from the Italian province of Trentino and was born there in a project aimed at strengthening the bear population in the Alps. But his journey took him beyond the Alps, straight into the hearts and headlines of people in Germany.

Bruno, also known as ‘JJ1’, curiously explored the German forests, but his presence quickly became a point of contention. The young bear, who was unintentionally declared a ‘problem bear’, attacked pets and livestock during his forays and soon found himself at the centre of a heated debate about the coexistence of humans and wildlife in our modern landscapes.

The story took a sad turn when Bruno was shot by three hunters (on 26 June 2006) on the Rotwand above the Spitzingsee. His fate shook the nation and led to the question of how we as a society deal with the presence of wild animals in our immediate vicinity.

Bruno’s death came to symbolise the need for better management of wildlife encounters and more empathy towards the creatures that once shared our forests.

Goals of the Bear Memorial Day

The aims of this special day are diverse and of central importance for the preservation of our bear populations. The aim is to highlight the possibility of further bears migrating to Germany and to increase public acceptance of these large predators.

This day is intended to shake up society and remind people that bears do not have to languish in cruel conditions. Instead, they can lead a dignified life in their natural environment if we give them the opportunity to do so. Bear Memorial Day aims to raise awareness of the need to protect bears and at the same time draw attention to the threats they face, such as poaching or habitat loss.

The Foundation for Bears attaches great importance to ensuring that the events that led to Bruno’s death are not forgotten. Better preparation for future bear cases is essential to prevent reckless behaviour such as the shooting and to enable the peaceful paw print of bears on German soil.

Actions and events to commemorate Bear Memorial Day

Bear Remembrance Day is also a platform for a variety of campaigns and events. It brings together people who share a passion for nature conservation and are willing to stand up for these majestic animals. Whether through information stands, workshops or educational programmes organised by organisations such as the Foundation for Bears, Bear Memorial Day offers information at a glance and invites people to actively inform themselves and exchange ideas. These events serve not only to educate, but also to connect people with nature and the predators that live in it, such as the bear.

Reintroduction projects

Bear reintroduction projects are at the heart of bear conservation and show that it is possible to restore lost biodiversity. In Bruno’s homeland, the Italian province of Trentino, ten bears were released from Slovenia between 1999 and 2002 to reintroduce the species to the Alps. These remarkable projects are an example of how international co-operation and science-based approaches can strengthen bear populations. Similar to bears, wolves are also slowly being reintroduced in some regions.

Austria also started a bear reintroduction project in the 1980s, which resulted in the birth of around 30 bears and thus contributed to the diversity of species in the Alps. In Bavaria, plans are currently being developed to reintroduce bears and thus increase biodiversity.

WWF supports the conservation of brown bears in Romania through measures such as breeding centres and promoting acceptance among animal keepers and hunters.

Awareness campaigns

Education is a crucial step in enabling humans and large carnivores to live together peacefully. WWF Germany, for example, coordinates the ‘Euro Large Carnivores‘ project, which seeks solutions for coexistence and helps to avoid conflicts between humans and bears. Such projects sensitise the public and educate them about the necessity and ways of harmonious coexistence.

The VIER PFOTEN (FOUR PAWS) organisation uses a variety of communication channels to draw attention to animal welfare issues and generate support for bear conservation. Its multi-channel strategies reach a broad audience and convey important information about the life and needs of bears.

Fundraising campaigns

In addition to education and direct protection measures, fundraising campaigns play an important role in the fight for bear conservation. Specialised fundraising websites collect money that goes directly to bear conservation projects, making a lasting contribution. These collections are often the lifeline for protected areas and research projects that would not be possible without this support.

Fundraising is a direct way to help and everyone can make a difference. Every donation helps to preserve the bears’ habitat and give them a secure future.

Bears worldwide: Threats and conservation measures for large carnivores

Bears are threatened by many dangers not only in Germany, but worldwide. Their majestic presence is diminished by a lack of acceptance, loss of habitat and poaching. The brown bear in particular is under pressure, as high prices are paid on black markets for its body parts such as bile, fat and paws. These threats are real and highlight the urgent need for effective conservation measures to ensure the survival of these impressive animals.

In some parts of the world, such as the Carpathian Mountains in Romania, there are still large populations of brown bears. These regions show that it is possible for humans and bears to live together if appropriate measures are taken. These countries are also home to other large carnivores such as wolves and lynx.

How can you help?

It may seem overwhelming, but each of us can do something to help protect bears. One of the simplest and most effective measures is to report bear sightings to the relevant authorities. In this way, valuable data on the bear population can be collected and protection measures can be better coordinated.

If you encounter a bear, it is important to follow these steps:

1. Stay calm and make yourself known. Speak loudly and slowly to signal your presence to the bear.
2. Do not run away and avoid hectic movements so as not to frighten the bear. Move slowly backwards and maintain eye contact without staring directly at the bear.
3. Do not leave food scraps in the wild to avoid attracting bears and possible dangerous encounters. Pack up your rubbish and dispose of it properly.

Conclusion

Bear Memorial Day 2024 is a great opportunity to draw attention to the situation of bears. These impressive animals deserve our respect and protection. By taking action and raising awareness together, we can help ensure that bears can continue to live and thrive in the wild in the future.

Use this day to learn about the fascinating world of bears, support conservation projects and actively campaign for the preservation of these wonderful creatures. Together we can create a future in which bears can live in harmony with nature and humans.

Frequently asked questions