Romanian Bear Sanctuary

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