“Comprehensive genetic and ethological studies for long-term in situ and ex situ conservation of the brown bear, Ursus arctos”, funded by the Scientific Research Fund of the Ministry of Education and Science (MES). The project aims to expand knowledge about the biology, ecology and behavior of the brown bear in Bulgaria. The results obtained will allow answering questions about the population affiliation of bears in captivity and the behavior of individuals during the critical period of hibernation. Not much is known about the behavior of bears during hibernation, which is also one of the objects of the study.

Sofia Zoo is cooperating with the project activities by providing biological material from the bred brown bears for genetic studies. Also, for 3 winters, special cameras were installed in the bears’ indoor enclosures in order to record their behavior during hibernation. A zoo employee is also a member of the project team.