Little Bear Sanctuary’s mission is to provide much-needed healthy, compassionate permanent housing to abandoned, abused and/or neglected farm animals. We are a true sanctuary, our animals are never kept in pens or cages and are allowed to roam free in their natural environment.
We are Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) verified for outstanding business practices and animal care, and obtained a Candid 2022 platinum seal for the highest level of transparency.
The sanctuary’s story begins in the 1930s on a small farm in Kassel, Germany. A farm where the farmer and his wife had thirteen children and one nicked named Little Bear. Her name is Ursula, and she was a happy farm girl who loved her animal cousins. Some say she could even talk to the animals, and they spoke to her.
She and her twelve brothers and sisters grew up during a turbulent time in Germany; they lived through the darkest days of World War II and saw first-hand what hatred and intolerance look like.
Her family was dark-haired, not blond, and they were nearly sent to a concentration camp because they looked different. Ursula’s family didn’t hate anyone. Like some families in Germany, they provided a safe place for Jewish people hiding from the Nazis. Ursula witnessed intolerance first-hand and learned the meaning of love, respect, and acceptance from her mother.
After the war, Ursula married an American soldier, and they moved to the United States. She and her husband had a son named Christopher, who, like Ursula, he learned the meaning of love, respect, and acceptance from his mother.
Inspired by his mother’s love for animals, Chris and his partner Randy decided to start a sanctuary to provide a safe place for animals from abusive situations. Like his mother and grandmother before him, Chris carries on the family tradition of selflessness and gives a safe forever home to his animal cousin with no home. When deciding on names for the organization, Randy suggested naming it after Chris’s mom, Ursula. They chose to use the nickname she was called on that little farm in Germany – Little Bear.
There are no bears at the sanctuary, just lots of happy and safe animals living their best lives.
This place is a little gem! Our day was filled with joy and friendly pigs, donkeys, cows and goats. the staff is amazing Kelly gave us a tour and we felt so blessed to donate to this sanctuary by bringing a little bit of Christmas to this beautiful place. Very informative, inviting and they have a heart for the animals that they care for and it shows. Worth a tour and please consider a donation to this great cause…
I am overwhelmed by the selflessness of these individuals who dedicate themselves to such an outstanding mission saving and loving God's beautiful little creatures! It is with great honor and pleasure that I am blessed to be able to contribute toward making these precious animals lives better. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your caring community!
What an amazing peaceful place! The animals are so friendly and happy. This is a very special home and the residents know they are loved.
Location: 2280 State Road 31 Punta Gorda, Florida 33982
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