15.7.2019 – Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS has successfully rescued two brown bears from illegal private keeping in eastern Croatia on 11th July. Suzana and Bruno, who are approximately 20 and 40 years old, were among the last five inappropriately kept brown bears in Croatia. With the introduction of a new animal protection law in January 2019, FOUR PAWS was finally able to free the bears from the tiny cages they had been kept in. Suzana and Bruno have now found a new and species-appropriate home at the Croatian FOUR PAWS cooperation partner Bear Refuge Kuterevo. 

Once the new Animal Protection Act prohibiting the keeping of bears in captivity except in zoos and shelters came into full force, the illegal status of Suzana and Bruno was validated, and FOUR PAWS was able prepare their rescue. The FOUR PAWS team on-site, led by veterinarian Marc Gölkel from Leibnitz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), first rescued Suzana from an unlicensed family zoo in Markovac Nasicki and went on to rescue Bruno from another unlicensed family zoo in Cerna. Both had been cleared for the transport during a prior medical check. 

The team rescued and transferred both bears within one day without any problems. Now Bear Refuge Kuterevo on the western coast of Croatia will make sure that Suzana and Bruno receive all the care they need. While another transfer might prove too exhausting for senior bear Bruno, FOUR PAWS is planning to bring Suzana to one of its own bear sanctuaries in the future.

One step closer to the ending the illegal private keeping of bears in Croatia

At present, three other bears are being kept in conditions unsuited to their species near a restaurant and in one unlicensed mini zoo in Croatia. FOUR PAWS is monitoring the progress on the legal status of these bears and, together with its cooperation partner Bear Refuge Kuterevo, is ready to provide a temporary or lasting home for them as well. FOUR PAWS already supported the Croatian bear refuge in 2015 financially and with their expertise regarding the construction of one enclosure and species-appropriate bear management. With the arrival of Suzana and Bruno, the support will continue. 

Many bears in Europe spend their lives in agonising surroundings, kept in tiny cages near restaurants or hotels, where they are exhibited as tourist attractions. The cramped, inappropriate living conditions are very stressful for the animals both physically and mentally. FOUR PAWS intends to put an end to the cruel keeping of bears in Croatia as part of its 'Saddest Bears' campaign. Read more.