Brown bears held in illegal captivity across various regions of Georgia suffered for years confined in very small enclosures.

The majority of the bears were kept captive for entertainment purposes — at gas stations, restaurants, hotels, monasteries, circuses, and private homes.

These bears were captured at a young age, which caused them to lose their wild instincts. The rehabilitation of adult bears raised in captivity and returning them to the wild is nearly impossible.

The killing of bears and the capture of their cubs occurs in many countries around the world. Poaching has put this species at risk of extinction and it is protected by legislation worldwide as a rare and unique animal.

In nearly thirty countries there are bear sanctuaries where bears rescued from harsh captivity are placed in appropriate conditions, with care focused on their rehabilitation and return to nature.

To address the problem of wild animals held in illegal captivity in Georgia, the non-commercial organization "Zoological Center" was established in 2010.

The center was set up in Tbilisi National Park on 2 hectares of land, where wild animals that had been kept in poor conditions across various locations in Georgia for many years are now housed.

The Zoological Center's standard-compliant enclosures are home to bears, wolves, and foxes.

Our simple rules will help you spend your time at the Zoological Center in an interesting, enjoyable, and safe manner.

The following are prohibited at the Zoological Center:

• Climbing over the protective barriers of enclosures
• Approaching the enclosures
• Throwing objects into the enclosures
• Disturbing and agitating the animals
• Feeding the animals in violation of the rules
• Entering staff work areas
• Littering the grounds
• Moving around by bicycle, rollerblades, skateboard, scooter, or hoverboard
• Bringing in domestic animals
• Consuming alcoholic beverages and entering while intoxicated
• Entering with any type of weapon
• Bringing in pyrotechnics and flammable substances
• Unauthorized commercial photo and video recording

The Zoological Center is authorized to require rule violators to leave the premises or call the police.

The Zoological Center is not responsible for any consequences caused by a visitor's violation of the rules.

The premises are under 24-hour video surveillance.