As Libearty celebrates 20 years of rescue and refuge, now is the most critical time to get involved to help bears.
This year marks a remarkable milestone for Romania’s beloved Libearty Bear Sanctuary: 20 years of transforming the lives of captive and orphaned bears. What began in 2005 as a visionary project has grown into the world’s largest brown bear sanctuary—a vast, forested haven where more than 100 rescued bears now roam freely, heal, and rediscover their natural instincts.
World Animal Protection has proudly stood alongside Millions of Friends Association (AMP) as a founding partner of the Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Romania. Since its inception in 2005, our shared mission has been clear: to end the cruel practice of keeping bears in captivity and to give rescued bears a safe, natural, lifelong home.
From day one, our teams have worked hand in hand to transform the lives of Romania’s captive bears. Together, we have:
- Investigated the properties, restaurants, roadside cages, and inadequate zoos where bears were being kept in heartbreaking conditions.
- Negotiated releases with owners to secure the safe surrender of bears in need.
- Transported bears to the sanctuary, ensuring they arrived at their new home with care and dignity.
- Provided lifelong veterinary treatment, nutritious food, and daily enrichment.
- Maintained and expanded the sanctuary into the world’s largest brown bear sanctuary.
- Educated the public through school programs and guided visits that highlight why wild animals belong in the wild.
Our partnership continues today as we campaign to free Baloo, one of Romania’s last privately owned bears, so he can finally live in peace at Libearty.
Baloo in his enclosure.
An Urgent New Challenge: Romania’s Orphaned Bear Cubs
As we celebrate this anniversary, we’re also facing a heartbreaking crisis. The orphaned bear cub emergency in Romania is worsening as the country’s bear hunting season continues—with a higher quota this year. As more mother bears are shot, more cubs are left alone in the wild, where they have little chance of survival.
To meet this urgent need, Libearty must build a dedicated cub enclosure—a safe, nurturing space for the influx of orphaned cubs expected in the coming months. World Animal Protection is working hard to support this lifesaving expansion, but we cannot do it alone.
Help Us Protect the Next Generation of Bears
As Libearty celebrates 20 years of rescue and refuge, now is the most critical time to get involved. Your support will help provide orphaned cubs with warmth, protection, veterinary care, and a chance at the peaceful life every bear deserves.
Together, we can honor Libearty’s past—and protect its future. Please consider making a tax-deductible gift today and ensure that Libearty continues its vital work for 20 more years and beyond.