Brown Bear in Gramat

Located in the south-west of France, not too far from my hometown but not quite next door, Gramat's animal park is one of my favorite zoos in the world.

Like many European zoos, its mission is more one of education and protection than pure entertainment. Gramat is particularly notable for housing almost exclusively European species (as well as a few invasive species, which are displayed on purpose. Ironically, the first time I approached a tanuki was there). As a child, I was not a huge fan of the zoo for this reason. You won't find elephants or lions there. As an adult, however, I applaud the initiative, as it teaches visitors about the animals that live around us (albeit fewer and fewer of them). The zoo also runs several protection programs for not only wild but also farm animals. With the industrialization of agriculture and most of the population becoming urban, the immense variety of farm animals that used to exist is slowly disappearing, being replaced by just a handful of species favored by capitalism as they fit industrial farming best. Gramat aims at keeping alive some of the species that have been left by the curb of modernization.

But I'll tell you more about them another day. Today, I just want to share a few photos of the brown bears that were recently acquired during my last visit in 2023. (yes, it's been that long, I didn't get to go during my last trip last year).

France does have a small population of brown bears living in the Pyrénées Mountains. This population is hanging by a thread and is only kept alive artificially thanks to the introduction of individuals from other parts of Europe from time to time. The 20th century wasn't kind to large mammals in Europe, and sadly, I don't think they'll survive the 21st century.

However, it's a good thing that Gramat has acquired some individuals.

Another thing I really like about Gramat Zoo is that the animal enclosures make use of the natural landscape as much as possible, and I think they did an amazing job with the bears' enclosure.

Of all the animals in the park, they are by far the most dangerous. However, if you don't pay close attention, it seems as though they live in complete freedom. Their enclosure cleverly incorporates moats, walls and small cliffs.

Nevertheless, it is difficult to take good pictures of such animals.

Being able to observe them in this way was priceless, though.
I can't wait to return.

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Thank you.

Best,

David