Bernd Nonnenmacher

Advisory Board Member

Bernd Nonnenmacher grew up in Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg, where he developed a deep connection to nature and the surrounding forests. From an early age, he was fascinated by bears, wolves and lynxes. This passion was further strengthened during a stay in the United States, where encountering wild bears for the first time became a defining experience and shaped his lifelong commitment to wildlife conservation.

After studying law in Tübingen, Göttingen and the United States, Bernd spent more than 15 years working as an international business consultant. During this time, he developed strong leadership, strategic planning and project management skills. Driven by his growing dedication to nature and animal welfare, he later transitioned into the field of wildlife protection.

Bernd became Project Leader of the Alternative Wolf and Bear Park Black Forest, where he successfully strengthened operational structures and advanced the park’s conservation mission. He later took on the role of Managing Director of the Alternative Bear Park Worbis. In this position, he has overseen the rescue, rehabilitation and lifelong care of 16 bears, 16 wolves and 6 lynxes, providing them with safe and dignified lives in protected sanctuary environments.

Committed to raising awareness about the suffering of animals kept in poor conditions, Bernd actively promotes international cooperation to drive meaningful and lasting change. He firmly believes that animal welfare transcends national borders and that collaboration among conservation organisations across Europe is essential to restoring ecosystems and improving coexistence between humans and wildlife.

For Bernd, managing the Bear Parks is more than a profession—it is a calling, rooted in purpose, responsibility and the belief that dedicated teamwork can make a lasting difference for animals and people alike.