Celal Acar Wildlife Rescue & Bear Rehabilitation Sanctuary
Situated in Karacabey's Ovakorusu oak forest across 10 hectares, this is Turkey's first and only brown bear sanctuary and wildlife rehabilitation center, offering unique educational nature encounters.
Celal Acar Wildlife Rescue & Bear Rehabilitation Sanctuary
Celal Acar Wildlife Rescue & Bear Rehabilitation Sanctuary 360° Virtual Tour & Earth 3D Station
Satellite 3D telemetry, terrain topography, and 360° street panoramas are fully calibrated. Fly in 3D orbit or tour inside step by step.
Insider Tip
"Visit during morning feeding hours (10:00 to 11:30 AM) when bears are most active roaming through their forest enclosures."
Turkey's Only Bear Sanctuary: Celal Acar Wildlife Center
Established in 1996 within Karacabey's Ovakorusu oak forests, this 10-hectare wildlife refuge provides sanctuary for rescued Eurasian brown bears. Managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, it serves as a leading rehabilitation center and educational reserve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there an entrance fee for the bear sanctuary?
A nominal National Parks admission fee is charged per person or vehicle at the gate.
What are the visiting hours?
The center is open daily from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM.
Can visitors feed the bears?
No, feeding the animals is strictly prohibited for their health and guest safety.
Is this suitable for families with children?
Yes, the forest trails and informational placards make it an inspiring educational excursion for children.
How do you drive there from Bursa?
Follow the Bursa-İzmir highway towards Karacabey, then turn off onto the Ovakorusu forest road; drive takes about 50 minutes.
Are picnic areas available?
Yes, the adjacent Ovakorusu Nature Park offers picnic tables, though open fires are prohibited.
How many bears live in the sanctuary?
Over 70 rescued Eurasian brown bears roam and hibernate within the expansive oak forest enclosures.
Is parking available?
Yes, a free outdoor visitor parking area is located right at the gate.
Visitor Information
Explore Karacabey & Surroundings
Gastronomy, district guides, and latest regional highlights in Karacabey.
Karacabey Travel Guide: Floodplain Forest, Water Lily Lake & Stud Farms
Explore Karacabey: rare coastal floodplain forest, blooming water lilies, migratory bird haven, and 700-year-old state equestrian stud farm.
Registered Gastronomy in Karacabey
Mihaliç Hard Curd Cheese
Karacabey local creamery stores & Bursa Covered Market cheesemongers
Karacabey Sun-Drenched Tomatoes & Onions
Karacabey farmer stands, traditional sauce artisans
Authentic Bursa Iskender Kebab
Kebapçı İskender (Historic Blue Shop, Heykel), Kebapçı Hüseyin (Alacahırka), Kebapçı İsmail (Kayhan)
Bursa Meatballs on Flatbread (Pideli Köfte)
Historic Kayhan Bazaar (Hacı Bey, Köfteci Yeşil, İdris)
Visitor Information
Nearby Attractions
Tombs of Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi
Resting side by side in Tophane Park, these tombs house Osman Gazi, founder of the Ottoman Empire, and his son Orhan Gazi, conqueror of Bursa. Featuring the Clock Tower, ancient ramparts, and hourly ceremonial Alp Honor Guard changes, it is Bursa's foremost historical shrine.
Gököz Lake and Nature Park (Gököz Natural Park)
Nestled on the southern foothills of Mount Uludağ at an elevation of 1,120 meters, Gököz Natural Park reflects pine forests and snowy summits in its pristine lake. Offering timber chalets, horse safaris, lake canoeing, angling, and farm-to-table mountain gastronomy, it is Bursa's premier four-season eco-retreat.
Murad I (Hudavendigar) Mosque and Complex
Built between 1365 and 1385 by Sultan Murad I, this is the only Ottoman imperial mosque featuring an integrated two-story madrasa above the prayer hall. Overlooking Çekirge, it houses thermal fountains and the tomb of the martyred sultan of Kosovo.