Sylvia and her brother Pavle lived together in a small cage on the property of a Serbian circus. There they were exposed to rain, cold, and sun, living a desolate life. In October 2016, the two brown bears were confiscated and were temporarily transferred to the Belgrade zoo. There, the bears received proper care as well as species-appropriate food and were able to gain enough strength for their trip to BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz.

Since November 2017, the two siblings are living at our rescue center in Germany. They have adjusted well since and sometimes even hibernate together.

Sylvia is a bit smaller than her brother Pavle, with whom she has a very strong bond. The two bears are truly inseparable, and they even spend the winter in a common den. During the first days of her arrival at the sanctuary, Sylvia was still very wary and anxious. However, over time she adapted well and adjusted to her new environment, as well as to her animal caretakers.

Sylvia is missing part of her front paw. It is believed that while living in captivity, her front paw got caught in the metal bars of her cage. Since the injury was not properly treated at the time, a part of her paw is somewhat deformed. Sylvia likes to bathe and in spite of her disability has no problem running or playing. She loves to eat eggs and grapes.