© BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz | Manuela KlierBear Dushi crowned "The Sleepiest Bear of 2024" story on page 6NapnessMarchImpactFOUR PAWS USA Supporter UpdateIssue II | 2024IN THIS ISSUE:• Saving the Saddest Bears 3• Emergency Intervention in Pakistan 8• An Urgent Plea to Help Captive Bears in Slovenia 10• Ensuring a Brighter Future for Bears 14Animal Welfare. Worldwide.The Bear Issue
3Impact | Issue II | 20242fourpawsusa.orgBears are suffering in appalling conditions all over the world. Whether farmed and kept captive for bile extraction or privately kept for entertainment and tourist attractions, hundreds of bears are exploited for profit and denied proper care and enrichment. FOUR PAWS’ goal is to end the suffering of bears kept in conditions not suited to their species, worldwide.FOUR PAWS seeks to improve the living conditions of bears in captivity and to end the inappropriate keeping of this species. We are working to put an end to the worst forms of captivity, such as bears who are: exploited for profit on bear farms, forced to perform in circuses, kept in cages by restaurants, used for photo opportunities, and abused to train hunting dogs.To help bears in Europe, FOUR PAWS works towards legislative changes that prohibit the private and non-species appropriate keeping of bears, as well as the cruel conditions in which some bears are kept for commercial purposes. In Vietnam, FOUR PAWS is working with local organizations to end the captivity and abuse of bears on farms. FOUR PAWS objectives for black bears and sun bears in Vietnam include holding the Vietnamese government accountable for delivering on its promise to end bile farming in Vietnam. Through educational campaigns, FOUR PAWS also seeks to raise awareness among the general population of Vietnam about the cruel practice of bear bile farming. In the USA, FOUR PAWS supports our international campaigns through public mobilization and outreach to government institutions. For example, over 10,000 Americans wrote to the US Ambassador in Vietnam asking for the embassy’s support in ending bear bile farming in Vietnam. We also work on national legislation to prohibit the cruel use of bears in entertainment, such as in circuses, traveling acts, and roadside zoos, and to ban the keeping of bears as pets, which are typically kept in poor and inhumane conditions. Today, we proudly care for over 140 rescued bears at our sanctuaries, all of whom are given ample space and enrichment, proper social structures, and veterinary care to ensure a high quality of life.WorldwideFOUR PAWS USA is an international animal welfare organization. Our vision is a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding.© Stiftung Arosa Bären | VIER PFOTEN© FOUR PAWS© Hoang Le | FOUR PAWS© FOUR PAWSBear Jamila in the spring at Arosa BEAR SANCTUARY, Switzerland.the SaddestBearsSaving © Hoang Le | FOUR PAWSImpactFOUR PAWS USA Supporter Update Issue II | 202436 Bromfield St. Suite 410 Boston, MA 02108(617) 942-12333 Saving the Saddest Bears4 For the Rest of Their Lives: FOUR PAWS' Bear Sanctuaries Worldwide6 Celebrating Sleep: March Napness!8 Emergency Intervention in Pakistan10 An Urgent Plea to Help Captive Bears in Slovenia12 Ending the Suffering of Bears in Azerbaijan14 Ensuring a Brighter Future for Bears & How You Can Help16 Plant Your Legacy this SpringTax ID: 27-4352918FACEBOOKFourPawsUSAINSTAGRAMFourPawsUSATWITTER@FourPawsUSAONLINEfourpawsusa.orgJoin the conversation
3Impact | Issue II | 20242fourpawsusa.orgBears are suffering in appalling conditions all over the world. Whether farmed and kept captive for bile extraction or privately kept for entertainment and tourist attractions, hundreds of bears are exploited for profit and denied proper care and enrichment. FOUR PAWS’ goal is to end the suffering of bears kept in conditions not suited to their species, worldwide.FOUR PAWS seeks to improve the living conditions of bears in captivity and to end the inappropriate keeping of this species. We are working to put an end to the worst forms of captivity, such as bears who are: exploited for profit on bear farms, forced to perform in circuses, kept in cages by restaurants, used for photo opportunities, and abused to train hunting dogs.To help bears in Europe, FOUR PAWS works towards legislative changes that prohibit the private and non-species appropriate keeping of bears, as well as the cruel conditions in which some bears are kept for commercial purposes. In Vietnam, FOUR PAWS is working with local organizations to end the captivity and abuse of bears on farms. FOUR PAWS objectives for black bears and sun bears in Vietnam include holding the Vietnamese government accountable for delivering on its promise to end bile farming in Vietnam. Through educational campaigns, FOUR PAWS also seeks to raise awareness among the general population of Vietnam about the cruel practice of bear bile farming. In the USA, FOUR PAWS supports our international campaigns through public mobilization and outreach to government institutions. For example, over 10,000 Americans wrote to the US Ambassador in Vietnam asking for the embassy’s support in ending bear bile farming in Vietnam. We also work on national legislation to prohibit the cruel use of bears in entertainment, such as in circuses, traveling acts, and roadside zoos, and to ban the keeping of bears as pets, which are typically kept in poor and inhumane conditions. Today, we proudly care for over 140 rescued bears at our sanctuaries, all of whom are given ample space and enrichment, proper social structures, and veterinary care to ensure a high quality of life.WorldwideFOUR PAWS USA is an international animal welfare organization. Our vision is a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding.© Stiftung Arosa Bären | VIER PFOTEN© FOUR PAWS© Hoang Le | FOUR PAWS© FOUR PAWSBear Jamila in the spring at Arosa BEAR SANCTUARY, Switzerland.the SaddestBearsSaving © Hoang Le | FOUR PAWSImpactFOUR PAWS USA Supporter Update Issue II | 202436 Bromfield St. Suite 410 Boston, MA 02108(617) 942-12333 Saving the Saddest Bears4 For the Rest of Their Lives: FOUR PAWS' Bear Sanctuaries Worldwide6 Celebrating Sleep: March Napness!8 Emergency Intervention in Pakistan10 An Urgent Plea to Help Captive Bears in Slovenia12 Ending the Suffering of Bears in Azerbaijan14 Ensuring a Brighter Future for Bears & How You Can Help16 Plant Your Legacy this SpringTax ID: 27-4352918FACEBOOKFourPawsUSAINSTAGRAMFourPawsUSATWITTER@FourPawsUSAONLINEfourpawsusa.orgJoin the conversation
4fourpawsusa.org5Impact | Issue I | 2024BEAR SANCTUARY Prishtina, KosovoBEAR SANCTUARY Prishtina was established in 2013 as a home for rescued “restaurant bears” — bears who are kept in dismal conditions outside of restaurants with the intention of attracting visitors. Since opening our sanctuary, FOUR PAWS is proud to have rescued all the restaurant bears in Kosovo, and thus, ended this cruel form of bear abuse in the country for good. And with the rescue of bear Mark, who lives at our sanctuary in Austria, FOUR PAWS has also put an end to the keeping of restaurant bears in Albania. Twenty bears currently live at BEAR SANCTUARY Prishtina. BEAR SANCTUARY Domazhyr, UkraineFounded in 2016, BEAR SANCTUARY Domazhyr is one of our newest sanctuaries. Located in western Ukraine, Domazhyr covers 50 acres and currently provides a home for 32 bears. Our committed Ukrainian staff has continued to care for our bears since the start of the war in February of 2022, and FOUR PAWS prioritizes the safety of our colleagues, their families, and the animals through these difficult times.BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh, VietnamOur newest sanctuary, opened in 2017, BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh houses 45 Asiatic black bears who were rescued from bear bile farming and the illegal wildlife trade. “Bile bears” routinely have bile harvested from their gallbladders causing severe pain and chronic health problems. Many of these bears are kept in cages which are barely larger than the bears themselves. Our sanctuary provides expert medical care and a species-appropriate home for these charismatic bears after years of suffering. 7© FOUR PAWS 2. BULGARIA: BelistaBEAR SANCTUARY © BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz | Tim Haltermann3. GERMANY: MüritzBEAR SANCTUARY © FOUR PAWS 1. AUSTRIA:Arbesbach BEAR SANCTUARY © FOUR PAWS 5. KOSOVO:PrishtinaBEAR SANCTUARY © Stiftung Arosa Bären | VIER PFOTEN4. SWITZERLAND:SANCTUARYArosa BEAR © FOUR PAWS 7. VIETNAM:Ninh BinhBEAR SANCTUARY 3412FOUR PAWS bear sanctuaries offer a species-appropriate home for rescued bearsof TheirFor the RestLIVES4521© FOUR PAWS 6. UKRAINE: BEAR SANCTUARYDomazhyr 567BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach, AustriaOpened in 1998, Arbesbach was our very first bear sanctuary. Located about two hours from our headquarters in Vienna, Arbesbach underwent an expansion in 2009 and now provides 14,000 square meters (over 45,000 feet) of space for our rescued bears. Currently, three bears live on our species-appropriate grounds: Erich, Brumca, and Mark. BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa, BulgariaOur Bulgarian sanctuary is a cooperation project, run with Foundation Brigitte Bardot, since 2000. Originally intended as a home for former “dancing bears” — a cruel form of entertainment where bears are forced to stand on hot plates, and thus appear to “dance” for spectators— the project was formerly named DANCING BEARS PARK Belitsa. Thankfully, this form of cruelty is banned and became a thing of the past in Bulgaria when FOUR PAWS rescued the last “dancing bear” and brought them to safety at our sanctuary. Sixteen bears currently call Belitsa home.BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz, GermanyBEAR SANCTUARY Müritz is the largest bear sanctuary in western Europe, spanning approximately 40 acres. Opened in 2006, Müritz is currently home to 13 rescued brown bears, including Dushi, the winner of our 2024 March Napness competition. The grounds also include an Organic Bistro, which serves local, seasonal, sustainable vegan and vegetarian meals. Arosa Bear Sanctuary, SwitzerlandIn 2011, FOUR PAWS began our cooperation project with Arosa tourism to support Arosa Bear Sanctuary. Located in the heart of the Grisons Mountains, Arosa provides a breathtaking home for our rescued bears. Visitors can explore the sanctuary by gondola or by “floating” adventure path, which is suspended above the landscape. Six bears have lived at the sanctuary since its opening, with four bears currently calling Arosa home: Sam, Jamila, Amelia & Meimo.Our seven bear sanctuaries throughout Europe and Asia are a place of peace for bears rescued from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. All our sanctuaries provide a natural habitat and spacious enclosures where the animals can wander freely. We empower the bears to develop individual daily and seasonal patterns which allow them to live as naturally as possible. They have access to caves, ponds, and forested areas as well as open spaces, and they have the freedom to choose where and how they spend their time. We also offer enrichments to stimulate species-specific behavior, like digging and climbing, and to encourage the bears to forage and explore their environment as they would in the wild. When possible, bears are carefully socialized with other bears in order to allow for companionship. We strive to provide the best life possible for these deserving animals.36MarkStandyAmelia & MeimoEma & OskaLuna & RoccoAndor & MorisBé & Em
4fourpawsusa.org5Impact | Issue I | 2024BEAR SANCTUARY Prishtina, KosovoBEAR SANCTUARY Prishtina was established in 2013 as a home for rescued “restaurant bears” — bears who are kept in dismal conditions outside of restaurants with the intention of attracting visitors. Since opening our sanctuary, FOUR PAWS is proud to have rescued all the restaurant bears in Kosovo, and thus, ended this cruel form of bear abuse in the country for good. And with the rescue of bear Mark, who lives at our sanctuary in Austria, FOUR PAWS has also put an end to the keeping of restaurant bears in Albania. Twenty bears currently live at BEAR SANCTUARY Prishtina. BEAR SANCTUARY Domazhyr, UkraineFounded in 2016, BEAR SANCTUARY Domazhyr is one of our newest sanctuaries. Located in western Ukraine, Domazhyr covers 50 acres and currently provides a home for 32 bears. Our committed Ukrainian staff has continued to care for our bears since the start of the war in February of 2022, and FOUR PAWS prioritizes the safety of our colleagues, their families, and the animals through these difficult times.BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh, VietnamOur newest sanctuary, opened in 2017, BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh houses 45 Asiatic black bears who were rescued from bear bile farming and the illegal wildlife trade. “Bile bears” routinely have bile harvested from their gallbladders causing severe pain and chronic health problems. Many of these bears are kept in cages which are barely larger than the bears themselves. Our sanctuary provides expert medical care and a species-appropriate home for these charismatic bears after years of suffering. 7© FOUR PAWS 2. BULGARIA: BelistaBEAR SANCTUARY © BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz | Tim Haltermann3. GERMANY: MüritzBEAR SANCTUARY © FOUR PAWS 1. AUSTRIA:Arbesbach BEAR SANCTUARY © FOUR PAWS 5. KOSOVO:PrishtinaBEAR SANCTUARY © Stiftung Arosa Bären | VIER PFOTEN4. SWITZERLAND:SANCTUARYArosa BEAR © FOUR PAWS 7. VIETNAM:Ninh BinhBEAR SANCTUARY 3412FOUR PAWS bear sanctuaries offer a species-appropriate home for rescued bearsof TheirFor the RestLIVES4521© FOUR PAWS 6. UKRAINE: BEAR SANCTUARYDomazhyr 567BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach, AustriaOpened in 1998, Arbesbach was our very first bear sanctuary. Located about two hours from our headquarters in Vienna, Arbesbach underwent an expansion in 2009 and now provides 14,000 square meters (over 45,000 feet) of space for our rescued bears. Currently, three bears live on our species-appropriate grounds: Erich, Brumca, and Mark. BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa, BulgariaOur Bulgarian sanctuary is a cooperation project, run with Foundation Brigitte Bardot, since 2000. Originally intended as a home for former “dancing bears” — a cruel form of entertainment where bears are forced to stand on hot plates, and thus appear to “dance” for spectators— the project was formerly named DANCING BEARS PARK Belitsa. Thankfully, this form of cruelty is banned and became a thing of the past in Bulgaria when FOUR PAWS rescued the last “dancing bear” and brought them to safety at our sanctuary. Sixteen bears currently call Belitsa home.BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz, GermanyBEAR SANCTUARY Müritz is the largest bear sanctuary in western Europe, spanning approximately 40 acres. Opened in 2006, Müritz is currently home to 13 rescued brown bears, including Dushi, the winner of our 2024 March Napness competition. The grounds also include an Organic Bistro, which serves local, seasonal, sustainable vegan and vegetarian meals. Arosa Bear Sanctuary, SwitzerlandIn 2011, FOUR PAWS began our cooperation project with Arosa tourism to support Arosa Bear Sanctuary. Located in the heart of the Grisons Mountains, Arosa provides a breathtaking home for our rescued bears. Visitors can explore the sanctuary by gondola or by “floating” adventure path, which is suspended above the landscape. Six bears have lived at the sanctuary since its opening, with four bears currently calling Arosa home: Sam, Jamila, Amelia & Meimo.Our seven bear sanctuaries throughout Europe and Asia are a place of peace for bears rescued from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. All our sanctuaries provide a natural habitat and spacious enclosures where the animals can wander freely. We empower the bears to develop individual daily and seasonal patterns which allow them to live as naturally as possible. They have access to caves, ponds, and forested areas as well as open spaces, and they have the freedom to choose where and how they spend their time. We also offer enrichments to stimulate species-specific behavior, like digging and climbing, and to encourage the bears to forage and explore their environment as they would in the wild. When possible, bears are carefully socialized with other bears in order to allow for companionship. We strive to provide the best life possible for these deserving animals.36MarkStandyAmelia & MeimoEma & OskaLuna & RoccoAndor & MorisBé & Em
67fourpawsusa.org Impact | Issue I | 2024In the wild, it is natural for brown bears to rest during the winter months. While many call this behavior “hibernation,” a more accurate term for bears is “torpor,” which describes a lighter period of rest than true hibernation. At our sanctuaries, many of the rescued bears are experiencing winter rest for the first time. Bears held in captivity are often not able to enter into torpor because of a lack of proper nutrition and a lack of species-appropriate surroundings. Amazingly, once the bears are safe at our sanctuaries and are provided with adequate care and living space, they are able to rediscover this natural behavior.As a way to celebrate this return to sleep, FOUR PAWS USA collaborated with our six European bear sanctuaries to create March Napness: a fun, digital competition, where supporters could predict which bear at our sanctuaries would hibernate the longest. Based on March Madness, the college basketball tournament, March Napness participants could fill out a bracket and submit their predictions for the “Sleepiest Bear of 2024.” The tournament began on March 1, with 23 bears competing, and ended the week of April 15, when bear Dushi from BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz in Germany out-slept all the rest. Throughout the tournament, our caretakers kept their eyes on the competing bears to see who would emerge first from their dens. Interestingly, bears awaken from torpor over a period of time, so the experts at our sanctuaries had to determine when exactly we would deem a bear officially “awake.” After a bit of debate, we agreed upon the following definition: A bear is awake when they are active in their outdoor enclosure for five consecutive days. The final week of March Napness was a real claw-biter, as our final four bears in Ukraine, Switzerland, and Germany decided they were done with their winter rest, and Tyson, Jamila, Sam, and Dushi all awoke within days of one another. However, Dushi from BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz A fun, competitive claw-biter!The March Napness competition highlights our rescued bears’ return to their natural habitsCelebratingSleep© FOUR PAWS © FOUR PAWS held out a few days longer than her fellow competitors, making her the 2024 March Napness Champion! You can check out our website to read the week-by-week breakdown of all the napping action. https://fourpawsusa.org/marchnapnessDushi’s caretakers describe her as a curious, playful bear who is known for her sweet tooth! These days, she is thriving at BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz, but like all of our rescued bears, she had a rough start to life. Prior to her rescue in 2018, she lived in what was known as "Europe's Worst Zoo" in Albania, where she spent her days in a cramped, dirty cage. When she was brought to Müritz and examined by our wildlife veterinarian, we found bullet fragments in both front legs. Though we don't know for sure, it's assumed that someone shot her while she was living in the cage. These bullets caused her to lose one of her paws. Miraculously and without proper treatment, she was still able to heal on her own.Now, Dushi is flourishing in her species-appropriate home at Müritz. Witnessing this resilience in our animals is always encouraging and uplifting. It is such a joy to see Dushi and all her fellow bears comfortable and happy after experiencing such hardship in their lives. Dushi
67fourpawsusa.org Impact | Issue I | 2024In the wild, it is natural for brown bears to rest during the winter months. While many call this behavior “hibernation,” a more accurate term for bears is “torpor,” which describes a lighter period of rest than true hibernation. At our sanctuaries, many of the rescued bears are experiencing winter rest for the first time. Bears held in captivity are often not able to enter into torpor because of a lack of proper nutrition and a lack of species-appropriate surroundings. Amazingly, once the bears are safe at our sanctuaries and are provided with adequate care and living space, they are able to rediscover this natural behavior.As a way to celebrate this return to sleep, FOUR PAWS USA collaborated with our six European bear sanctuaries to create March Napness: a fun, digital competition, where supporters could predict which bear at our sanctuaries would hibernate the longest. Based on March Madness, the college basketball tournament, March Napness participants could fill out a bracket and submit their predictions for the “Sleepiest Bear of 2024.” The tournament began on March 1, with 23 bears competing, and ended the week of April 15, when bear Dushi from BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz in Germany out-slept all the rest. Throughout the tournament, our caretakers kept their eyes on the competing bears to see who would emerge first from their dens. Interestingly, bears awaken from torpor over a period of time, so the experts at our sanctuaries had to determine when exactly we would deem a bear officially “awake.” After a bit of debate, we agreed upon the following definition: A bear is awake when they are active in their outdoor enclosure for five consecutive days. The final week of March Napness was a real claw-biter, as our final four bears in Ukraine, Switzerland, and Germany decided they were done with their winter rest, and Tyson, Jamila, Sam, and Dushi all awoke within days of one another. However, Dushi from BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz A fun, competitive claw-biter!The March Napness competition highlights our rescued bears’ return to their natural habitsCelebratingSleep© FOUR PAWS © FOUR PAWS held out a few days longer than her fellow competitors, making her the 2024 March Napness Champion! You can check out our website to read the week-by-week breakdown of all the napping action. https://fourpawsusa.org/marchnapnessDushi’s caretakers describe her as a curious, playful bear who is known for her sweet tooth! These days, she is thriving at BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz, but like all of our rescued bears, she had a rough start to life. Prior to her rescue in 2018, she lived in what was known as "Europe's Worst Zoo" in Albania, where she spent her days in a cramped, dirty cage. When she was brought to Müritz and examined by our wildlife veterinarian, we found bullet fragments in both front legs. Though we don't know for sure, it's assumed that someone shot her while she was living in the cage. These bullets caused her to lose one of her paws. Miraculously and without proper treatment, she was still able to heal on her own.Now, Dushi is flourishing in her species-appropriate home at Müritz. Witnessing this resilience in our animals is always encouraging and uplifting. It is such a joy to see Dushi and all her fellow bears comfortable and happy after experiencing such hardship in their lives. Dushi
89Impact | Issue II | 2024fourpawsusa.orgEarlier this year, FOUR PAWS received an official and urgent request from the authorities in Pakistan, in cooperation with Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), to help several captive Asian black bears who have been used illegally for bear baiting, dancing, and breeding activities in violation of the country’s animal welfare standards. The authorities invited us to help neuter 8 bears already at the rescue center and to confiscate, relocate, and treat 4 black bear cubs. They have also sought support in modifying enclosures to make them suitable for the hopeful relocation of more black bear cubs, as ordered by the court in the Punjab region. The cruel practices of bear baiting and dancing were first introduced as a form of entertainment. Despite being condemned worldwide, sadly, these practices still exist in the Province of Punjab. Multiple incidents of bear baiting have been reported, and authorities have taken strict notice and initiated a crackdown against such cruel acts and taken legal action against the accused person under the Punjab Wildlife Act, 1974.Improving the Quality of Life for Recovering BearsThe FOUR PAWS team of veterinarians and wildlife experts, in collaboration with the IWMB team, was able to provide much-needed medical intervention for these bears during our visit. One bear, Anila, had an inflamed nose ring which we removed before treating her with antibiotics. Despite the trauma and pain Anila has gone through, she was calm and welcoming to the caretakers. Another bear, Barfi, received a lifesaving dental procedure — she had severe problems with her teeth which made eating difficult due to her swollen face. Unfortunately, Barfi also starts to dance when she sees humans due to her past of abuse, and she is quite stressed overall.Our team ensured that the bears received medical assessments and sterilizations to prevent unwanted breeding at the center, which underlines our strong commitment to ethical wildlife management. Dr. Frank Göritz from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research trained the local veterinarians on proper husbandry for the bears. With his supervision, they thoroughly vetted, castrated, and cared for the other 6 male bears and provided ultrasound examinations, vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, claw trimming, and dental treatment. A Fresh Start for Boogie and LailaIn collaboration with IWMB rescue and the rehabilitation team, we were also able to save two bears in critical condition and bring them to the rescue center. Despite facing challenging conditions including darkness and a lack of electricity, our team swiftly darted, vet-checked, and transported these bears to safety. Boogie, a resilient 7-year-old male bear, and Laila, a 5-year-old female bear, both have scars from their harrowing past as baiting bears. Their bodies tell stories of past fights, with ears bitten off and encounters with dogs leaving lasting marks. During the vet check, the removal of the nose rings, used to connect to leashes to control and handle them, marked a significant step towards a new beginning for them. Now, with all their teeth gone, they will require a special soft food diet for life. These bears’ difficult pasts have certainly affected them, but we are pleased that they have been given a second chance at the rescue center and that they can enjoy their lives even more after medical treatment. We look forward to continued collaboration with the Pakistani government to put an end to illegal bear practices and the suffering of captive bears in the country. Together, we are making a meaningful difference.top tab textPakistanCruelly Keptfor Bearsfor EntertainmentEmergencyInterventionBoogieAnilaBar© FOUR PAWS | Usman Ghani© FOUR PAWS © FOUR PAWS © FOUR PAWS © FOUR PAWS
89Impact | Issue II | 2024fourpawsusa.orgEarlier this year, FOUR PAWS received an official and urgent request from the authorities in Pakistan, in cooperation with Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), to help several captive Asian black bears who have been used illegally for bear baiting, dancing, and breeding activities in violation of the country’s animal welfare standards. The authorities invited us to help neuter 8 bears already at the rescue center and to confiscate, relocate, and treat 4 black bear cubs. They have also sought support in modifying enclosures to make them suitable for the hopeful relocation of more black bear cubs, as ordered by the court in the Punjab region. The cruel practices of bear baiting and dancing were first introduced as a form of entertainment. Despite being condemned worldwide, sadly, these practices still exist in the Province of Punjab. Multiple incidents of bear baiting have been reported, and authorities have taken strict notice and initiated a crackdown against such cruel acts and taken legal action against the accused person under the Punjab Wildlife Act, 1974.Improving the Quality of Life for Recovering BearsThe FOUR PAWS team of veterinarians and wildlife experts, in collaboration with the IWMB team, was able to provide much-needed medical intervention for these bears during our visit. One bear, Anila, had an inflamed nose ring which we removed before treating her with antibiotics. Despite the trauma and pain Anila has gone through, she was calm and welcoming to the caretakers. Another bear, Barfi, received a lifesaving dental procedure — she had severe problems with her teeth which made eating difficult due to her swollen face. Unfortunately, Barfi also starts to dance when she sees humans due to her past of abuse, and she is quite stressed overall.Our team ensured that the bears received medical assessments and sterilizations to prevent unwanted breeding at the center, which underlines our strong commitment to ethical wildlife management. Dr. Frank Göritz from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research trained the local veterinarians on proper husbandry for the bears. With his supervision, they thoroughly vetted, castrated, and cared for the other 6 male bears and provided ultrasound examinations, vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, claw trimming, and dental treatment. A Fresh Start for Boogie and LailaIn collaboration with IWMB rescue and the rehabilitation team, we were also able to save two bears in critical condition and bring them to the rescue center. Despite facing challenging conditions including darkness and a lack of electricity, our team swiftly darted, vet-checked, and transported these bears to safety. Boogie, a resilient 7-year-old male bear, and Laila, a 5-year-old female bear, both have scars from their harrowing past as baiting bears. Their bodies tell stories of past fights, with ears bitten off and encounters with dogs leaving lasting marks. During the vet check, the removal of the nose rings, used to connect to leashes to control and handle them, marked a significant step towards a new beginning for them. Now, with all their teeth gone, they will require a special soft food diet for life. These bears’ difficult pasts have certainly affected them, but we are pleased that they have been given a second chance at the rescue center and that they can enjoy their lives even more after medical treatment. We look forward to continued collaboration with the Pakistani government to put an end to illegal bear practices and the suffering of captive bears in the country. Together, we are making a meaningful difference.top tab textPakistanCruelly Keptfor Bearsfor EntertainmentEmergencyInterventionBoogieAnilaBar© FOUR PAWS | Usman Ghani© FOUR PAWS © FOUR PAWS © FOUR PAWS © FOUR PAWS
11Impact | Issue II | 202410fourpawsusa.orgSloveniaFor more than two decades, bears Mici, Mitko, Tim, Mascha, and Felix have known nothing but pain and suffering. Three restaurants and one zoo in Slovenia hold these bears in violation of the local keeping requirements for the private keeping of bears. They are kept in concrete cages with little or no access to water, food, enrichment, or proper medical care. FOUR PAWS aims to confiscate the bears immediately and bring them to a species-appropriate home, but unfortunately, our pleas to the local authorities have fallen on deaf ears. It is up to the local authorities to enforce the keeping requirements, but they have yet to do anything to ease the suffering of these poor bears.FOUR PAWS visited the bears in 2018, 2022, and 2023. Our most recent visit in 2023 was accompanied by the wildlife veterinarian of The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) and authority representatives. It was determined that Mici, Mitko, Tim, Mascha and Felix should be removed immediately, as they were in imminent danger from improper keeping. They are all suffering from boredom and stress, with little opportunity to hide from visitors or engage in their natural behaviors. They even lack the ability to bathe. Two of the bears urgently need medical treatment. Still, we are denied the ability to save them from their lives of pain and suffering.Bear Felix was fighting for his right to thrive, but tragically, he was unable to hold on and wait for the help he so desperately needed. In February of 2024, after spending 30 years in his concrete prison, Felix passed away. We know that he must have died alone and in great pain, as an experienced wildlife veterinarian who had observed Felix in May of 2022 said he had obvious signs of pain while moving. FOUR PAWS was continuously denied the ability to take him to one of our sanctuaries, which would have given him the gift of a species-appropriate home, allowing him to spend the remainder of his days in quiet comfort.Proper private keeping of bears, as defined by the Slovenian authorities, is as follows: • An outdoor enclosure of 179 y² / bear + 23 y per each bear • An indoor enclosure of 7 y² • A pool of 71 y² x 2 y deep • Fresh food including fish, meat, fruits and vegetables • A structured enclosure with natural underground and climbing structuresWhile the owners currently have permission to keep the bears, they must fulfill the requirements for the keeping of bears in captivity which are defined in the Slovenian Animal Protection Act. After twice assessing all bear keepings, FOUR PAWS has concluded that the keeping requirements are still not respected and the bears are being kept in violation of Slovenian law. We continue to do all we can and have had multiple calls with the Slovenian Prime Minister, but unfortunately, we have not been able to bring the brown bears to a safe home where we know they will thrive. So far, we have 1,530 U.S. signatures on the petition to get these last five remaining brown bears out of private keeping in Slovenia. We know we can do more. With your help, we can save the #SaddestBears. An Urgent Plea to Help Captive Bears in SloveniaScan to sign our petition today!MitkoTimMici© FOUR PAWS © VIER PFOTEN© FOUR PAWS
11Impact | Issue II | 202410fourpawsusa.orgSloveniaFor more than two decades, bears Mici, Mitko, Tim, Mascha, and Felix have known nothing but pain and suffering. Three restaurants and one zoo in Slovenia hold these bears in violation of the local keeping requirements for the private keeping of bears. They are kept in concrete cages with little or no access to water, food, enrichment, or proper medical care. FOUR PAWS aims to confiscate the bears immediately and bring them to a species-appropriate home, but unfortunately, our pleas to the local authorities have fallen on deaf ears. It is up to the local authorities to enforce the keeping requirements, but they have yet to do anything to ease the suffering of these poor bears.FOUR PAWS visited the bears in 2018, 2022, and 2023. Our most recent visit in 2023 was accompanied by the wildlife veterinarian of The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) and authority representatives. It was determined that Mici, Mitko, Tim, Mascha and Felix should be removed immediately, as they were in imminent danger from improper keeping. They are all suffering from boredom and stress, with little opportunity to hide from visitors or engage in their natural behaviors. They even lack the ability to bathe. Two of the bears urgently need medical treatment. Still, we are denied the ability to save them from their lives of pain and suffering.Bear Felix was fighting for his right to thrive, but tragically, he was unable to hold on and wait for the help he so desperately needed. In February of 2024, after spending 30 years in his concrete prison, Felix passed away. We know that he must have died alone and in great pain, as an experienced wildlife veterinarian who had observed Felix in May of 2022 said he had obvious signs of pain while moving. FOUR PAWS was continuously denied the ability to take him to one of our sanctuaries, which would have given him the gift of a species-appropriate home, allowing him to spend the remainder of his days in quiet comfort.Proper private keeping of bears, as defined by the Slovenian authorities, is as follows: • An outdoor enclosure of 179 y² / bear + 23 y per each bear • An indoor enclosure of 7 y² • A pool of 71 y² x 2 y deep • Fresh food including fish, meat, fruits and vegetables • A structured enclosure with natural underground and climbing structuresWhile the owners currently have permission to keep the bears, they must fulfill the requirements for the keeping of bears in captivity which are defined in the Slovenian Animal Protection Act. After twice assessing all bear keepings, FOUR PAWS has concluded that the keeping requirements are still not respected and the bears are being kept in violation of Slovenian law. We continue to do all we can and have had multiple calls with the Slovenian Prime Minister, but unfortunately, we have not been able to bring the brown bears to a safe home where we know they will thrive. So far, we have 1,530 U.S. signatures on the petition to get these last five remaining brown bears out of private keeping in Slovenia. We know we can do more. With your help, we can save the #SaddestBears. An Urgent Plea to Help Captive Bears in SloveniaScan to sign our petition today!MitkoTimMici© FOUR PAWS © VIER PFOTEN© FOUR PAWS
13Impact | Issue II | 202412fourpawsusa.orgEnding the Suffering of Bears in AzerbaijanAzerbaijanFOUR PAWS was contacted by the U.S. registered nonprofit organization Good World Animal Rescue and Protection (GWARP) and asked to help with captive bears in Azerbaijan. There are 15 bears at the Altıağac Rehabilitation Center in National Park Altıağac and seven restaurant bears kept in the Altıağac Cennet Bagi Hotel. These bears belong to the state, as the private keeping of bears was banned in 2000. We were asked to come to the bears' aid due to there being no available wildlife veterinarians or medical support in the country. FOUR PAWS had one prior visit in November of 2023. Then, we learned that all 15 bears at the rehabilitation center are kept in tiny cages that are nowhere near a species-appropriate size. Some enclosures are crammed close enough together that bears can attack each other, further adding to an already distressing situation. They have a lack of proper nutrition and are fed dry dog food instead of the variety of fresh foods that bears need to thrive. We also found some of the bears have cracked teeth and various other health concerns. Heartbreakingly, many of the cracked teeth were from the bears biting their cages out of boredom and stress. A few of the bears needed immediate medical care to urgently fix the most severe dental issues. No second thought was given to cubs being born at the hotel and rehabilitation center. Males and females were kept together with no implementation of birth control. To make lasting change, we must ensure that no additional bears can be born into captivity.One bear, Dunbar, was found pacing and screaming in pain from an eye infection. Every move he made was colored by the devastating pain he was continually feeling. The location and size of his cage put him in the perfect situation to be violently attacked from all sides by the other bears. Thankfully, during our last site visit, FOUR PAWS veterinarians were able to remove his infected eye and fix his cracked teeth. We have plans to move him to one of our sanctuaries, when allowed, where he will find the continual medical care he needs and the space he deserves to live a long and happy life. Unfortunately, until we can move him, he is still in significant pain and vulnerable to attack. We are working diligently so no more bears in Azerbaijan will have to suffer the same way that bear Dunbar has.It is imperative that the inappropriate and private keeping of bears in Azerbaijan has an end in sight. During the 2023 visit, we microchipped, vaccinated, and dewormed 20 bears. We also sparked discussion and consulted on how to improve living conditions for the bears currently in captivity. Momentous change is needed to permanently end the horrific keeping conditions in Azerbaijan. Our goal is to eventually relocate each of these bears to species-appropriate sanctuaries.DunbarCubs were allowed to be born into captivity in horric conditions, lacking proper nutrition and vet care© FOUR PAWS © FOUR PAWS © FOUR PAWS © FOUR PAWS © FOUR PAWS It is imperative that the inappropriate and private keeping of bears in Azerbaijan has an end in sight.
13Impact | Issue II | 202412fourpawsusa.orgEnding the Suffering of Bears in AzerbaijanAzerbaijanFOUR PAWS was contacted by the U.S. registered nonprofit organization Good World Animal Rescue and Protection (GWARP) and asked to help with captive bears in Azerbaijan. There are 15 bears at the Altıağac Rehabilitation Center in National Park Altıağac and seven restaurant bears kept in the Altıağac Cennet Bagi Hotel. These bears belong to the state, as the private keeping of bears was banned in 2000. We were asked to come to the bears' aid due to there being no available wildlife veterinarians or medical support in the country. FOUR PAWS had one prior visit in November of 2023. Then, we learned that all 15 bears at the rehabilitation center are kept in tiny cages that are nowhere near a species-appropriate size. Some enclosures are crammed close enough together that bears can attack each other, further adding to an already distressing situation. They have a lack of proper nutrition and are fed dry dog food instead of the variety of fresh foods that bears need to thrive. We also found some of the bears have cracked teeth and various other health concerns. Heartbreakingly, many of the cracked teeth were from the bears biting their cages out of boredom and stress. A few of the bears needed immediate medical care to urgently fix the most severe dental issues. No second thought was given to cubs being born at the hotel and rehabilitation center. Males and females were kept together with no implementation of birth control. To make lasting change, we must ensure that no additional bears can be born into captivity.One bear, Dunbar, was found pacing and screaming in pain from an eye infection. Every move he made was colored by the devastating pain he was continually feeling. The location and size of his cage put him in the perfect situation to be violently attacked from all sides by the other bears. Thankfully, during our last site visit, FOUR PAWS veterinarians were able to remove his infected eye and fix his cracked teeth. We have plans to move him to one of our sanctuaries, when allowed, where he will find the continual medical care he needs and the space he deserves to live a long and happy life. Unfortunately, until we can move him, he is still in significant pain and vulnerable to attack. We are working diligently so no more bears in Azerbaijan will have to suffer the same way that bear Dunbar has.It is imperative that the inappropriate and private keeping of bears in Azerbaijan has an end in sight. During the 2023 visit, we microchipped, vaccinated, and dewormed 20 bears. We also sparked discussion and consulted on how to improve living conditions for the bears currently in captivity. Momentous change is needed to permanently end the horrific keeping conditions in Azerbaijan. Our goal is to eventually relocate each of these bears to species-appropriate sanctuaries.DunbarCubs were allowed to be born into captivity in horric conditions, lacking proper nutrition and vet care© FOUR PAWS © FOUR PAWS © FOUR PAWS © FOUR PAWS © FOUR PAWS It is imperative that the inappropriate and private keeping of bears in Azerbaijan has an end in sight.
15Impact | Issue II | 202414fourpawsusa.org#SaveTheSaddestBearsfor BearsBrighter FutureEnsuring aOur #SaveTheSaddestBears campaign fights for sustainable change globallyAll over the world, bears are held in inappropriate keeping conditions, traded as a commodity, or forced to perform for spectators. In all, bears continue to suffer for human gain. Our #SaveTheSaddestBears Campaign aims to rescue captive bears and end the suffering, and our seven bear sanctuaries create a safe space for our rescued bears to live out the rest of their lives in peace. Learn more about the issues facing bears around the globe and how you can help make a better world for bears. Bear Bile FarmingBear bile farming is a cruel industry that involves bears being kept in tiny, metal cages and subjected to the harsh practice of bile extraction, a terrifying and agonizing process that includes piercing a bear's abdominal wall and gallbladder. This practice is done repeatedly and typically without proper anesthetic or pain management. Due to this procedure and dreadful living conditions, the bears suffer horrible health problems.Bile extracted from the gallbladders of bears has been used in traditional Asian medicine for thousands of years. At the same time, synthetic and herbal alternatives to bear bile have existed since the 1950’s. Yet, despite these effective alternatives, bear bile is still being harvested and sold on the black market. FOUR PAWS is currently focused on bears in Vietnam, where over 200 Asiatic black bears are kept on over 70 farms. In 2005, Vietnam outlawed the possession, sale, and extraction of bear bile, yet despite the ban, farmers were allowed to keep their bears, so long as they were microchipped and had been registered before 2005. It is believed that many of these farmers have continued performing deadly bile extractions despite it being illegal. In order to stop these extractions from happening altogether, FOUR PAWS is working to rescue the remaining bears on the farms and supports local authorities to enforce stricter regulations. We provide the rescued bears with a safe, species-appropriate home at our BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh. Bears in EntertainmentBears are exploited for various types of “entertainment” around the world. Forced to perform in traveling circuses and roadside zoos, bears are often trained using cruel methods and are not provided with adequate medical care, nor are they allowed any of the freedoms to live according to their natural instincts. Bear cubs are sometimes stolen from the wild and kept as pets or exploited for “cub-petting” operations. This is never an appropriate living situation for a wild animal, and this global problem leads to abuse and neglect, particularly as the bears grow larger. After being taken from their mothers and held in human care, it is usually impossible for the bears to be returned to the wild, creating a situation where many bears need rescue, especially from poor conditions in captivity. For example, “Restaurant bears” are held captive in tiny cages outside of restaurants and other tourist locations in order to draw visitors. These bears are often taunted and abused by crowds, given inadequate diet and medical care, and display stereotypic behaviors such as pacing back and forth, which indicates distress. “Dancing Bears” describes another archaic attraction, which was once common in Eastern Europe, where bears were forced to stand on hot metal or sharp objects, and thus appeared to “dance.” The bears were often led around using painful hooks that had been inserted through their sensitive noses. However, by focusing on sustainable change and working with authorities, FOUR PAWS creates long-term solutions, including legal foundations and general standards for the species-appropriate keeping of bears. With this strategy, we succeeded in putting an end to the keeping of dancing bears in Bulgaria and Serbia, and the illegal keeping of restaurant bears in Kosovo and Albania. Through our #SaveTheSaddestBears Campaign, FOUR PAWS is proud of the progress we have made in our global effort to find sustainable solutions for bears suffering in substandard conditions in captivity around the world.beforebeforeafterMima and Svetla chained and cruelly kept as "Dancing Bears" Svetla now enjoys a species-appropriate life in sanctuarywhat can you do?• Sign the Pledge to #SaveTheSaddestBears. Our pledge offers common sense tips to protect bears that everyone can commit to in their daily lives. fourpawsusa.org/bears-pledge• Donate to protect and rescue bears and give them a species-appropriate home at our sanctuaries• Sign our bear-related petitions that help affect policy decisions around the globe. Progress for BearsFOUR PAWS has made strides to improve the lives of bears, both through moving policy forward and by rescuing animals in need. We couldn’t do this important work without you, and from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your generosity!Scan to sign our bear-related petitionsScan to donate to #SaveTheSaddestBears© VIER PFOTEN | Philipp Zinniker© VIER PFOTEN | Mihai Vasile© FOUR PAWS © FOUR PAWS
15Impact | Issue II | 202414fourpawsusa.org#SaveTheSaddestBearsfor BearsBrighter FutureEnsuring aOur #SaveTheSaddestBears campaign fights for sustainable change globallyAll over the world, bears are held in inappropriate keeping conditions, traded as a commodity, or forced to perform for spectators. In all, bears continue to suffer for human gain. Our #SaveTheSaddestBears Campaign aims to rescue captive bears and end the suffering, and our seven bear sanctuaries create a safe space for our rescued bears to live out the rest of their lives in peace. Learn more about the issues facing bears around the globe and how you can help make a better world for bears. Bear Bile FarmingBear bile farming is a cruel industry that involves bears being kept in tiny, metal cages and subjected to the harsh practice of bile extraction, a terrifying and agonizing process that includes piercing a bear's abdominal wall and gallbladder. This practice is done repeatedly and typically without proper anesthetic or pain management. Due to this procedure and dreadful living conditions, the bears suffer horrible health problems.Bile extracted from the gallbladders of bears has been used in traditional Asian medicine for thousands of years. At the same time, synthetic and herbal alternatives to bear bile have existed since the 1950’s. Yet, despite these effective alternatives, bear bile is still being harvested and sold on the black market. FOUR PAWS is currently focused on bears in Vietnam, where over 200 Asiatic black bears are kept on over 70 farms. In 2005, Vietnam outlawed the possession, sale, and extraction of bear bile, yet despite the ban, farmers were allowed to keep their bears, so long as they were microchipped and had been registered before 2005. It is believed that many of these farmers have continued performing deadly bile extractions despite it being illegal. In order to stop these extractions from happening altogether, FOUR PAWS is working to rescue the remaining bears on the farms and supports local authorities to enforce stricter regulations. We provide the rescued bears with a safe, species-appropriate home at our BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh. Bears in EntertainmentBears are exploited for various types of “entertainment” around the world. Forced to perform in traveling circuses and roadside zoos, bears are often trained using cruel methods and are not provided with adequate medical care, nor are they allowed any of the freedoms to live according to their natural instincts. Bear cubs are sometimes stolen from the wild and kept as pets or exploited for “cub-petting” operations. This is never an appropriate living situation for a wild animal, and this global problem leads to abuse and neglect, particularly as the bears grow larger. After being taken from their mothers and held in human care, it is usually impossible for the bears to be returned to the wild, creating a situation where many bears need rescue, especially from poor conditions in captivity. For example, “Restaurant bears” are held captive in tiny cages outside of restaurants and other tourist locations in order to draw visitors. These bears are often taunted and abused by crowds, given inadequate diet and medical care, and display stereotypic behaviors such as pacing back and forth, which indicates distress. “Dancing Bears” describes another archaic attraction, which was once common in Eastern Europe, where bears were forced to stand on hot metal or sharp objects, and thus appeared to “dance.” The bears were often led around using painful hooks that had been inserted through their sensitive noses. However, by focusing on sustainable change and working with authorities, FOUR PAWS creates long-term solutions, including legal foundations and general standards for the species-appropriate keeping of bears. With this strategy, we succeeded in putting an end to the keeping of dancing bears in Bulgaria and Serbia, and the illegal keeping of restaurant bears in Kosovo and Albania. Through our #SaveTheSaddestBears Campaign, FOUR PAWS is proud of the progress we have made in our global effort to find sustainable solutions for bears suffering in substandard conditions in captivity around the world.beforebeforeafterMima and Svetla chained and cruelly kept as "Dancing Bears" Svetla now enjoys a species-appropriate life in sanctuarywhat can you do?• Sign the Pledge to #SaveTheSaddestBears. Our pledge offers common sense tips to protect bears that everyone can commit to in their daily lives. fourpawsusa.org/bears-pledge• Donate to protect and rescue bears and give them a species-appropriate home at our sanctuaries• Sign our bear-related petitions that help affect policy decisions around the globe. Progress for BearsFOUR PAWS has made strides to improve the lives of bears, both through moving policy forward and by rescuing animals in need. We couldn’t do this important work without you, and from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your generosity!Scan to sign our bear-related petitionsScan to donate to #SaveTheSaddestBears© VIER PFOTEN | Philipp Zinniker© VIER PFOTEN | Mihai Vasile© FOUR PAWS © FOUR PAWS
FOUR PAWS USA | 36 Bromfield St. | Suite 410 | Boston, MA 02108Office: (617) 942-1233 | Founder's Society: (857) 507-7444Tax ID: 27-4352918Visit us online at fourpawsusa.org© FOUR PAWSScan to learn more about ways to maximize your impact© VIER PFOTEN | Riccardo und Marie MaywaldDashaSpring symbolizes new beginnings when we nurture growth and foster hope. It's a season that inspires us to sow seeds for the future — a perfect moment to reflect on the compassionate legacy we wish to build.At FOUR PAWS, our work to help animals under direct human influence never rests, and your support allows us to reveal suffering, rescue animals in need, and protect them for the rest of their lives. Yet, there is another profound way to ensure that your commitment to animal welfare flourishes for years to come.By using FreeWill, a trusted online estate planning tool, you can make your will in just 20 minutes. It enables you to act on your compassion and:• Define your legacy for loved ones and the causes close to your heart• Make a lasting impact for animals by including a gift to FOUR PAWS • Join the FOUR PAWS Heli Dungler Legacy Society, a community of supporters dedicated to a future of respect and empathy for animalsAs the flowers bloom, let your kindness do the same. Visit www.freewill.com/fourpaws to get started.Not interested in estate planning at this time? You can also use our free tool to gift stocks or securities or give from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA).Plant Your Legacy This SpringFollow us on Twitter@FourPawsUSALike us on Facebookfacebook.com/FourPawsUSAFollow us on InstagramFourPawsUSA