Lion Erion was first brought to FOUR PAWS attention after his owner posted about him on social media. The 3-year-old male lion was living in poor conditions in Albania, where he was believed to be trafficked from another Western Balkan country and kept in private captivity that doesn't comply with national standards. Two-year-old brown bear Flora also shared the same sad fate, as she was living on the same private estate, only 40 metres apart, also under extremely inadequate conditions.

After the authorities fortunately confiscated both animals due to the substandard keeping conditions, our team worked tirelessly to prepare everything for Flora and Erion to finally join the FOUR PAWS family. 

In December, the time had finally come for the rescue of the two animals and to transport them to Germany! The wildlife veterinarian Marc Gölkel from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo & Wildlife Research in Berlin (IZW) safely anesthetised both animals so that they could be loaded into the transport boxes. Unfortunately, the team also discovered that lion Erion has lost his mane since our last visit. According to the veterinarian, this can have several causes, including a hormonal imbalance. Blood samples were taken from Erion under anesthesia for analysis, and further tests will be carried out once Erion has arrived at the TIERART Wild Animal Sanctuary and settled in.

Accompanied by two wildlife vets, Flora and Erion were then ready to hit the road. The animals were monitored via camera throughout the journey, with regular stops to check on them and provide food and water. TIERART Wild Animal Sanctuary and BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz are excited to welcome their new residents, and everything is ready for their arrival.

Erion and Flora have arrived safe and sound at their new, species-appropriate homes in Germany — one at our TIERART Wild Animal Sanctuary and the other at BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz. Unfortunately, despite careful preparations, and as with similar cross-border missions before, there were unforeseen events on the road that led to several delays. However, thanks to the experience of our rescue team, as well as the outstanding support of Belgrade Zoo and their curator, Kristijan Ovari, the transporters received the necessary permissions to travel via North Macedonia and Serbia and enter the EU in Croatia. From there, the two transporters travelled through Slovenia and Austria to our sanctuaries in Germany.

Erion remained remarkably calm throughout the long journey. Flora sometimes appeared a little unsettled when the convoy stopped and people were nearby checking on her, but the thermal imaging camera showed that she was relaxed for most of the trip. After travelling for four days and over more than 2,000 km, we are overjoyed to finally welcome these very special animals to our sanctuaries. Our caretaker teams have now taken over and will give them all the time and attention they need to recover and settle in. This rescue was, once again, the result of dedicated teamwork and your support — without which none of this would have been possible.

Flora and Erion have only just arrived at our sanctuaries, but they have already stolen the hearts of the entire teams at TIERART Wild Animal Sanctuary and BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz. Both animals will stay for a few days in their adaptation enclosures while our caretakers focus on building trust with them.

Erion carefully explored his indoor enclosure and quickly discovered — and fell in love with — the camera. At first, he ignored his straw bed, as it was unfamiliar to him, but after some time he grew curious and brave enough to investigate it. Now he clearly enjoys the comfort and has already taken his first nap on it. Flora was a little nervous during the transport to her bear house, but it did not take long for her to leave the transport box and explore her enclosure. She happily rolled in the food waiting for her, and it has been a joy to see her interact with enrichment for the first time in her life.

After a few days of settling in, Flora and Erion will be gradually introduced to their outdoor enclosures. Their first explorations outside are being closely monitored by the caretakers and are initially limited to parts of the enclosure and short periods of time. This careful process is essential to ensure the animals are not overwhelmed by being left outside all at once.

Flora was recently released into her large forest enclosure and has been enjoying her daily outdoor time ever since, under the supervision of her caretakers. She loves foraging for berries, exploring her surroundings, and testing her platforms and enrichment — although she is still a little cautious at first. Flora is very keen on new scents, letting her nose lead her around, and she loves rolling around in perfume, fish and lentils. It is a joy for the team to watch her confidence build as she discovers her winter wonderland at the sanctuary. 

Although she continues to make progress every day, she still needs more time to feel fully safe in her new home. Due to her past, Flora shows a strong attachment to humans, something her caretakers are gently working on. Our goal is for her to feel more and more comfortable in nature and confident in her own space, instead of relying on people. Stay tuned for the next update coming soon about lion Erion.