'Playful' Rescue Bear Named Dushi Wins Sleepiest Bear Contest by Staying in Hibernation the Longest

Erin Clements

April 19, 2024 at 10:54 a.m.·2 min read

Dushi, who lives at a sanctuary in Germany, has earned the title of Sleepiest Bear of 2024

<p>Courtesy of Four Paws</p> Dushi is officially Sleepiest Bear of 2024 — Courtesy of Four Paws
Dushi is officially Sleepiest Bear of 2024

A rescue bear named Dushi has woken up to be named the winner of March Napness.

Last month, the animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS kicked off the 2nd annual bracket competition, inspired by March Madness, in search of the world's sleepiest bear.

The contestants, 23 rescue bears residing at six FOUR PAWS sanctuaries across the globe, vied to stay in hibernation the longest after entering their dens in late 2023.

Dushi, who lives at Bear Sanctuary Müritz in Germany, has officially won the contest after sleeping just a few days longer than all the other furry contenders.

<p>Courtesy of Four Paws</p> Dushi lives at Bear Sanctuary Müritz in Germany — Courtesy of Four Paws
Dushi lives at Bear Sanctuary Müritz in Germany

However, the competition hasn't been put to rest just yet.

While Dushi holds the title of Sleepiest Bear of 2024, fans can still cast their ballot to vote for their favorite bear in the final four through April 22.

The other three finalists include Tyson from Bear Sanctuary Domazhyr in Ukraine and Jamila and Sam, two siblings from Arosa Bear Sanctuary in Switzerland, all of whom emerged from their slumber in the past week.

<p>Courtesy of Four Paws</p> Dushi was described by her caretakers as "curious" and "playful" — Courtesy of Four Paws
Dushi was described by her caretakers as "curious" and "playful"

Dushi "had a rough start to life," according to FOUR PAWS.

Before she was rescued, she lived in a cramped, dirty cage at Safari Park Zoo in Fier, Albania, without access to fresh water or healthy food. Dushi was found in poor physical condition with clear behavioral disorders because of her confinement.

When she was brought to Bear Sanctuary Müritz in 2019, a wildlife veterinarian discovered bullet fragments in both of her front legs, which had caused her to lose one of her paws.

However, Dushi was given a fresh start at her new home in Germany.

<p>Courtesy of Four Paws</p> Before she was rescued, Dushi lived in a cramped, dirty cage at a zoo in Albania — Courtesy of Four Paws
Before she was rescued, Dushi lived in a cramped, dirty cage at a zoo in Albania

"Miraculously and without proper treatment, she was still able to heal on her own," according to FOUR PAWS.

Dushi is now described by her caretakers at the sanctuary as "curious" and "playful."

She enjoys eating grapes, apples, and carrots, and is known to have a sweet tooth. She can also be found spending time with a good friend named Rocco.

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To learn more about the March Napness competition and vote for the bears in the final four, visit FOUR PAWS' website.

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Read the original article on People.

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'Playful' Rescue Bear Named Dushi Wins Sleepiest Bear Contest by Staying in Hibernation the Longest

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