Romanian Bear Sanctuary

August at Libearty: It’s always lunchtime somewhere!

If you’ve been wondering what the bears are up to this summer… the answer is simple: eating, splashing, and repeating.
At feeding time, visitors often get the best view: Libearty's care takers place the food just next to them, so people and bears share the same excitement for a good meal.

Take Jean, for example. Once known as a bit of a loner, this “tour-operator” has decided that lunch is best enjoyed in good company. These days, he sits down with his fellow bears, finally discovering that friends make mealtime even better. A round of applause for Jean!

Meanwhile, Grisha has his priorities straight. He strolls calmly through the oak forest like he’s on a nature walk… but you can bet he’s never late for lunch. And once the belly is full, you’ll find him hopping into the pool, where he bobs and splashes around like a carefree cub.

He’s not alone: Bolik is also a big pool fan. Honestly, if they'd charged admission for their synchronized swimming shows, the sanctuary could fund itself.

So whether it’s a feast under the trees or a splash in the pool, August has been all about good food, good company, and good fun. Ofcourse, nothing beats seeing a bear in the wild, but watching our bears thrive in this little paradise is second best!

It is our mission at World Animal Protection to end the illegal practice of keeping bears in private and cruel captive conditions and ensure the lifetime care of those bears. You can help support the bears in the Libearty bear sanctuary!

There are currently over a 100 bears in the Libearty bear sanctuary. Together they eat more than two tons of food a day and need veterinary care to recover from their traumatic past. That involves significant expenses. Would you help prevent malnutrition and health problems by making a donation?
Thank you!

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your role at AMP. 
In 1997, together with my husband, I created the first animal protection association in Romania. Our mission began with saving stray dogs from an incredibly cruel fate — they were being killed in the streets in brutal ways. 
In 1998, WSPA reached out to me and asked if I could investigate the situation of caged bears near Brasov. That’s when I met Maya, a bear confined in a tiny cage near a guesthouse, just by Dracula’s Castle. The moment I saw her, I made a vow: I would give everything I had to save her and the other bears from such horrific captivity. 
Sadly, it was too late for Maya. She died in my arms after self-mutilating — a heartbreaking image that never left me. But her suffering sparked something powerful: the courage to create the Libearty Bear Sanctuary, where no bear would ever again have to endure what she did. 
Thanks to WSPA (now WAP) who became our partner, and to the city of Zarnesti who donated the land, the bears now have a second chance — to live freely, with dignity, in a natural and peaceful environment. 

What is the most enjoyable part of your work? 
What truly motivates me is the possibility to save just one more animal — and to make sure it lives a better life, filled with dignity and freedom. Every life matters. Each rescue is a new beginning, and that’s what keeps me going. 

What are your biggest challenges? 
The greatest challenge is educating the younger generation — to help change hearts, minds, and behaviors towards animals. It's about building a society where respect for life, in all its forms, becomes a core value. 

Do you have any favourite bears? Could you share any stories about them? 
When a mother has four children, can she truly love one more than the others? 
No, I don’t have a favorite — I feel deep compassion for every living being, from the tiniest to the largest. 
In fact, just recently I saved a baby snail I found in a salad. I cared for him daily, fed him, and now he’s ready to be released in the sanctuary’s garden, free to live his little life. 
You might smile, but years ago, after rescuing another snail in the same way, the story was featured in Dog Fancy, an American magazine. The article was titled: “I Was Born in a Salad”. 
Of course, there is Maya — the bear who died in my arms. Her story will always be with me. It was her pain that inspired the sanctuary, a sacred place where mistreated bears can find peace. 

Could you share any observations or stories about Jean, Bolik, and Grisha specifically? 
I believe it would be best to let Florin answer this question, as they work closely with them and know their personalities and stories in more detail.  
Florin: 
Each of them has their own personality, their own behavior, and even their own distinct appearance — and that’s one of the most beautiful things about working at the sanctuary: discovering how uniquely special they all are. 

Bolik is one of the largest bears in the sanctuary — truly massive — but he has the heart of a playful cub. He loves to explore, play, and his laid-back nature is such a joy to watch. 

Jean, on the other hand, is a bit of a grumpy old man. He doesn’t really enjoy the company of other bears and prefers to keep to himself. That said, he does have days when he seems to enjoy being near people. You’ll often see him walking along the fence, “accompanying” visitor groups as they tour the sanctuary. 

Grisha is the eternal teenager — he enjoys everything: nature, the pool, the other bears. He has incredible energy and a contagious enthusiasm. He’s also a bit of a Don Juan — even though he’s been sterilized, he still can’t resist flirting in his charming, goofy way. 

Each of them has their own story, their own rhythm — and that’s what makes the sanctuary such a vibrant, emotional place full of life and meaning. 

Photo credits: Victor Watkins & Radu Tuta