Rescued lion, bear find new homes in German sanctuariesAP, PRISTINAA lion and bear rescued from captivity in northern Albania arrived in animal sanctuaries in Germany, after authorities in Tirana discovered they were being illegally kept as pets on a private estate. Erion, a three-year-old lion, and Flora, a two-year-old bear, are now starting a new life. Erion, a three-year-old lion, sits in its enclosure before its transportation from Tirana to Germany on Tuesday. Four Paws said it believes the lion is a victim of illegal wildlife trafficking, while the bear was likely poached from the wild. Four Paws project manager Sajmir Shehu said the law lacks a stringent framework based on which organizations like his could prevent wild animals being kept in captivity.

Source: Taipei Times December 19, 2025 17:26 UTC