For the first time in 10 years, the elderly bears of Nymphaeon, who had been “sticky” since 2015, have fallen into hibernation when they were transferred from the Thessaloniki Zoo to the ARCTUROS Conservation Center.

The 32-year-old Sasha and Alexandra, who were inseparable even on their walks and fell into hibernation together, slept separately for the first time this year.

As Arktouros’ communications manager Panos Stefanou, the two “grandmothers” had slept together since the first winter when they were transferred to Nymphaeon and since then they had been sleeping together. “This year, however, that changed and they slept separately. However, many bears change habits, sometimes they sleep in artificial dens and sometimes they make their own,” Stefanou explains, adding that the 20 bears at the Nymphaeon Conservation Centre went into winter hibernation a little earlier this year due to the weather conditions.

Most bears, such as Bradley, Cooper, Patrick and Masha, preferred the artificial dens prepared by their caretakers, while others, such as Sandy, Mira and the “grandmothers”, 32-year-old Tasoula and 37-year-old Katerina, opted for natural dens.

The Arcturus Protection Centre in Nymphaeon will remain closed until March.