When FOUR PAWS began its work in Albania in 2015, more than 30 bears were living a miserable existence cooped up in tiny cages next to restaurants or hotels where they were put on show to attract tourists. These confined conditions in an environment unsuited to the species were very stressful for the animals, both physically as well as mentally. Consequently, many of the bears were in a poor overall condition: emaciated or displaying behavioural disorders.   

In March 2016, FOUR PAWS signed a declaration of intent with the Albanian Environment Ministry with the goal of finding a permanent solution in line with animal welfare standards for the many Albanian bears living in captivity in catastrophic conditions. Since then, more than 30 bears have been rescued in cooperation with the Albanian authorities and other animal welfare organisations and transferred to wildlife rescue centres abroad. Ten of these bears today live in FOUR PAWS bear sanctuaries and partner projects in Kosovo, Switzerland, Germany and Bulgaria.   

We hope that the transfer of the last three 'restaurant bears' into our care in 2019 will mark the end of the cruel keeping of bears by private owners in Albania once and for all. FOUR PAWS is continuing to work to secure improvements in Albanian legislation on wildlife protection and is supporting the government in its efforts to build a wildlife sanctuary near Tirana. FOUR PAWS considers the establishment of such a sanctuary as absolutely essential to be able to rescue and house bears and other wild animals in distress in an environment suited to their species, and at the same time to strengthen awareness among the population for the needs of these animals.