London, 9 December 2022 – Today, FOUR PAWS have rescued the last ‘restaurant bear’ in Albania. Thea 24-year-old brown bear called Mark was previously kept as a tourist attraction next to a restaurant in Tirana.  For two long decades he suffered in a tiny cage with concrete floors, uncared for, alone and unable to live out any natural behaviours.

Today, Mark’s life changed forever as he arrived at BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach in Austria. Here he will spend the rest of his years in a species-appropriate home, with other bears and access to the ongoing health care he needs to thrive.

After a thorough medical check, Mark journeyed from Albania through North Macedonia, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary, finally arriving in Austria today.

Previously, in his tiny cage, Mark was exposed to heat and extreme weather conditions, with no place to retreat and was constantly exposed to the stares of restaurant visitors. He had also never been able to hibernate – something that is so quintessential for any bear. Thankfully the restaurant owner handed Mark into the care of FOUR PAWS voluntarily and has agreed in writing that no bears will ever suffer at the restaurant again.

While Mark’s rescue is a significant milestone, bears in Albania are still in danger of being abused as pets or tourist attractions in the future without a change in legislation.