How do I start my sponsorship?

Once you fill in the form to get more information about the programme, the Bear Guardianship team will reach out to you to provide further information on the programme and the next steps. We will introduce you to several bears who are still waiting for their guardians - the final choice of which bear you would like to commit to is yours. 

Once your payment is confirmed we will send you your Bear Guardian welcome pack.

What methods of payment can I use?

Payments can be made by credit card, direct debit, bank transfer or by cheque.

Paying by credit card or direct debit helps keep our administration costs low and ensures that your contributions directly benefit the bears.

Is it possible to give through several installments?

If you can’t donate the $15,000 to start the sponsorship at once, you can pay in two installments over 18 months. The first installment should be no less than $10,000 in order to reserve the bear you’d like to sponsor. You will receive your Welcome Pack and updates once the full payment has been completed.

Does my sponsorship stop if I don’t donate $2,500 after the first year of being a guardian?

Once you become a Bear Guardian, you are the sole guardian of your bear. By continuing your special guardianship, you’ll be helping to ensure your bear receives the best of care for the rest of their life. It costs roughly $15,000 a year to care for your bear – from the delicious and nutritious food they eat, the world-class veterinary team aiding your bear’s recovery, to the shelter and security of their special den, your bear will feel the warmth of your kindness every single day.

If you are unable to continue to support your bear with an annual gift of at least $2,500, your bear will retain the special name you gave them, but we will no longer send news and updates about your bear.

What happens if someone else is already interested in the bear I would like to sponsor?

The bears are allocated on a first come first serve basis. If there’s a bear you’d really like to sponsor, we advise you to reach out as soon as possible to secure your bear guardianship.