This is the moment when an elderly bear was filmed relishing in a shower in the sun after spending 25 years of his life confined to a circus.
Toshka the bear was moved to a sanctuary to enjoy his ‘retirement’ after being forced to perform tricks for the public for most of his life.
According to a staff member at the sanctuary in Satanov, Ukraine, the bear was terrified of humans and preferred to stay hidden when he first arrived at the sanctuary.
It took a little while, two weeks to be exact, but the bear eventually got comfortable in his new surroundings and now enjoys sitting around in peace under the sun for hours.
Toshka was filmed sitting in the sunshine while ‘taking a shower’ and licking at the water as it falls down onto him, keeping him cool.
Apparently, this is one of the bear’s favorite pastimes, and it’s no wonder as temperatures in Ukraine can reach up to 35C.
“Most of his life he was a circus bear, and he was transferred by the last owner to us for rehabilitation and life support,” said a staff member at the sanctuary.
“A month ago, we transported him and three other bears. Toshka was very afraid of people: he didn’t leave the bushes for two weeks.”
“Care and attention melted his heart. Now his favorite pastime is to shower in the sun. He takes a sitting position and is ready to sit for hours.”
