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.   

Only a few bears remain in bad captivity in Albania. Still, there are reports about bears being found orphaned in the wild and ending up in illegal private keeping. For these bears and other native wildlife species in need of rescue and professional care, the Albanian government has expressed its intention to establish a sanctuary close to Tirana.

Besides continuing to advocate for improvements in Albanian legislation and consistent law enforcement on wildlife protection, FOUR PAWS is supporting the government in its efforts to build such a facility near Tirana. FOUR PAWS considers the establishment of a sanctuary for native wild animals as absolutely essential for the law enforcement and accommodation of bears and other wild animals in a species-appropriate environment. Such a project will play a key role in raising public awareness for the needs of these animals, and wild fauna protection in general.