Die neue Bären-Anlage im NaturZoo Rheine – Planung, Konzept und Erfahrungen

In May 2009 NaturZoo Rheine, Germany, opened a new enclosure for Sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) combined with Golden jackals (Canis aureus). Introducing the article tells the 70 years long history of bear-maintenance at NaturZoo Rheine. The process of institutional collection planning resulting in Sloth bears as the taxon of choice is described as are the special ideas of modern animal-husbandry and –presentation for the concept of the facility. The enclosure and husbandry practice are detailed. A list of experiences made so far places special emphasise on behavioural enrichment and the mixed-species exhibit. Finally the visitors‘ response to the new enclosure gets mentioned.