Lion and bear kept as pets in Albania find new homes in German wildlife sanctuaries

Erion, a three-year-old lion, and Flora, a two-year-old bear, are beginning new lives in German animal sanctuaries after being rescued from a private estate in northern Albania. Albanian authorities discovered the animals were being illegally kept as pets in Tirana, prompting their removal in early December.

Four Paws, an international animal welfare organization, orchestrated the rescue. Magdalena Scherk-Trettin, a senior project manager at Four Paws, expressed her gratitude that the animals were confiscated, allowing them to be relocated to Germany where they can live in appropriate conditions.

The rescue was initiated after Albania’s National Forestry Agency located Erion the lion through videos posted on TikTok by his owner. The identity of the individual keeping the animals has not been released by authorities or Four Paws.

Before their journey to Germany, veterinarians anesthetized Erion and Flora before placing them in crates. Their 70-hour journey through several European countries ended on December 13. Erion is now living in a wild animal sanctuary in southeastern Germany, while Flora resides in a bear sanctuary in northern Germany, according to Four Paws.

Four Paws reported that both animals were in poor health upon rescue. Flora was malnourished and suffering from dental problems, and a recovery plan has been initiated. Erion had lost his mane, and veterinarians are still investigating the cause.

Despite the difficulties of the rescue, Scherk-Trettin emphasized the importance of the operation. She stated that everyone is thrilled to see the animals start their new lives.

Four Paws highlights that the illegal wildlife trade remains a significant problem in Albania and the surrounding region. Bears and other exotic animals are often kept in cages at restaurants or on private properties with inadequate care.

The origins of Erion and Flora are still unknown. Four Paws suspects Erion was a victim of illegal wildlife trafficking, and Flora was likely poached from the wild.

Four Paws issued a statement emphasizing Albania's urgent need to address the illegal wildlife trade and private ownership of wild animals. They estimate that over 60 big cats are still being kept in poor conditions in Albania due to weak legislation, legal loopholes, and poor enforcement.

Albanian law allows individuals and organizations to keep wild animals born in captivity, such as in zoos or specialized facilities. Non-native species born outside Albania can be kept if documentation proves they were acquired from specialized breeding and trade centers.

Sajmir Shehu, a project manager at Four Paws, stated that the current law lacks a strong framework to prevent the private captivity of wild animals. While the law allows for animal confiscation if welfare or veterinary standards are not met, it does not impose sanctions on exotic pet owners.