One of the oldest inhabitants of the Bulgarian readjustment park for dancing bears near the southwestern town of Belitsa has died.

Milena, aged 30-35 years, the Serbian dancing bear that was brought to the park in 2009 has died in her sleep, reported Friday , the Four Paws Association – one of the founders of the readjustment park.

Friday morning, during the routine rounds of the park’s carers, the body of Milena was found, explains Dimitar Ivanov, manager of the Belitsa Readjustment Park for Dancing bears located on the outskirts of the Rila Mountain.

According to Dimitrov, the animal was very old and had not been very active in the last days.

“Unfortunately,” concedes the park’s manager “No matter how well we take care of the animals, the years they have spend in captivity take a toll on them. However, we’re happy we managed to save Milena from her painful life in chains and at the end of her life she could enjoy her freedom.”

Milena will be buried on the territory park, but Serbian authorities – who are the actual owners of the animal – must first give permission for this.

The Belitsa Readjustment Park for Dancing Bears was founded in 2000 by the Four Paws Association and the Brigitte Bardot Foundation and was officially opened in 2005.

It houses 27 retired dancing bears from Bulgaria and Serbia who are slowly returning to their natural way of life in the wild.