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Lion and bear kept as pets in Albania find new homes in German wildlife sanctuaries
The lion and bear were rescued after being found in poor condition and illegally kept; FOUR PAWS estimates over 60 big cats remain in similar conditions in Albania.
- FOUR PAWS coordinated the transfer of Erion, a three-year-old lion, and Flora, a two-year-old bear, from Tirana, northern Albania, to German wildlife sanctuaries after a 70-hour cross-border rescue.
- Albania's National Forestry Agency located the lion after TikTok videos posted by its owner, while FOUR PAWS says weak laws and poor enforcement leave more than 60 big cats in poor conditions.
- On arrival, FOUR PAWS reported Erion, a three-year-old lion, and Flora, a two-year-old bear, had been kept as pets on a private estate, with veterinarians noting Erion lost his mane and Flora was malnourished with dental issues.
- Erion now lives in a wild animal sanctuary in southeast Germany while Flora is housed at a bear sanctuary in northern Germany, after veterinarians administered anaesthesia and prepared transport crates for their long trip.
- FOUR PAWS said the lion appears to be a victim of illegal wildlife trafficking, and the bear was likely poached, highlighting Albania's urgent need to address illegal wildlife trade.
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Erion, a three-year-old lion, and Flora, a two-year-old bear, who were being illegally kept as pets on a private property in northern Albania, were sent to animal shelters in Germany in early December, where they will start a new life in conditions suitable for their species. The rescue operation was carried out by the international animal protection organization FOUR PAWS, after the intervention of the Albanian National Forest Agency. According…
Associated Press News+16 Reposted by 16 other sources
Lion and bear kept as pets in Albania find new homes in German wildlife sanctuaries
A lion and bear rescued from captivity in northern Albania arrived in animal sanctuaries in Germany in early December after authorities in Tirana discovered they were being illegally kept as pets on a private estate.
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Total News Sources19
Leaning Left12Leaning Right0Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution71% Left
Bias Distribution
- 71% of the sources lean Left
71% Left
L 71%
C 29%
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