
Looking to lift your mood? Take a peaceful moment to spot some of the 106 rescued bears living freely in Liberty Sanctuary’s 75-acre forest in Zărnești, Romania.
In 1992, World Animal Protection’s Libearty bear campaign began as part of our mission to end the cruel exploitation of bears for entertainment across Europe. For years, bears were kept in tiny cages outside restaurants or in poorly run zoos, forced to live in misery for the amusement of tourists and passersby.
Our work building the bear sanctuary
In 2005, we partnered with Asociatia Milioane de Prieteni (Millions of Friends Association) to build the Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Zărnești, Romania — a safe, forested haven for rescued bears. Since then, we’ve worked closely with the dedicated team to save bears from a life of torture and terrible living conditions.
Many of the bears were rescued from private owners and substandard facilities in Romania and other European countries. Thanks to supporters like you, the sanctuary continues to grow and give these animals the peaceful lives they deserve.
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Your support made this possible
In Romania, it was once common for bear cubs to be caught and illegally kept in small cages in public places, such as restaurants and petrol stations, to attract and entertain customers.
As these bears grew into adulthood, their cages became small prisons.
Thanks to our supporters' generous donations and support, very few bears are kept in such horrendous conditions in Romania now.
Because of our past supporters, change began. With you, it can continue.

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