26 May 2023 – Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS celebrates the ten-year-anniversary of its BEAR SANCTUARY Prishtina in Kosovo, which was established in 2013 to provide a species-appropriate safe haven for rescued bears in the region. The sanctuary is currently home to 20 bears rescued from exploitation for entertainment and inappropriate keeping conditions. This significant milestone highlights a decade of dedication to the protection and welfare of bears, showcasing the positive impact achieved through collaborative efforts. Since opening BEAR SANCTUARY Prishtina, FOUR PAWS has contributed to the end of the cruel private keeping of bears in the country.

Over the past ten years, BEAR SANCTUARY Prishtina has emerged as a beacon of hope for abused and mistreated bears rescued from sad fates as restaurant attractions or privately kept pets. Through its tireless commitment, the sanctuary has offered the bears a second chance at life, enabling them to heal, thrive, and experience the natural behaviours they were deprived of in captivity.

In its pursuit of a better future for bears, BEAR SANCTUARY Prishtina has transformed from an initial concept to a state-of-the-art facility covering vast acres of lush, natural habitat. The sanctuary's professional team, including veterinarians, caregivers, and conservationists, work diligently to ensure the physical and psychological well-being of the resident bears.

During its ten-year journey, BEAR SANCTUARY Prishtina has provided a safe and nurturing environment for each bear that has found refuge within its grounds. From the moment of their rescue, these bears receive specialised care tailored to their unique needs. Through rehabilitation programs, enrichment activities, and veterinary attention, they are given the opportunity to regain their strength and rebuild their lives.

Sustainable long-term improvement for better animal welfare in Kosovo and beyond

FOUR PAWS, the driving force behind BEAR SANCTUARY Prishtina, remains committed to the long-term welfare of the bears in its care. Through ongoing monitoring, research, and with a unique educational experience, the sanctuary contributes to raising awareness about the challenges faced by bears in captivity, and advocates for their protection and freedom. The educational measures in particular aim for visitors to return to their lives educated and equipped to make changes in a sustainable way in their daily lives and live a little kinder.

“We advocate for a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding. In our 13 wild animal sanctuaries and cooperation projects all around the world, we provide species-appropriate conditions for the animals we rescue from terrible suffering. Seeing the 20 bears currently living at BEAR SANCTUARY Prishtina thrive in the natural surroundings shows the impact we can have with our solution-oriented, sustainable approach. We not only change the lives of bears and other wild animals we rescue for the better, but also contribute to long-term legislative changes and awareness raising on a local and global level in favour of animals and animal welfare. I’m proud of all the improvements for animal welfare FOUR PAWS has achieved, in Kosovo and beyond,” says Josef Pfabigan, global CEO of FOUR PAWS.

FOUR PAWS has rescued over 200 bears in the 25 years since the opening of its first bear sanctuary in Austria.