Bear Sanctuary is a beautifully illustrated book by Victor Watkins, who has worked in the field of animal welfare for over three decades. For bear enthusiasts, or even those with a keen interest in learning more about what goes into caring for and ensuring the welfare of these animals, the book is a valuable resource. In addition, it provides an up-to-date account of the efforts being made to end the abuse and cruelty that bears continue to endure.

Victor Watkins and ‘Libbearty’

In 1992, Watkins established the world’s first international campaign to protect bears from cruelty, both in captivity and in the wild. The campaign, LIBEARTY, was led by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (now known as World Animal Protection) and introduced the concept of a bear sanctuary for the first time.

His new book focuses on the creation of the LIBEARTY campaign and the subsequent establishment of the Libearty Bear Sanctuary, near Zarnesti, Romania. Settled in 70 hectares of hazel and oak forests in the Carpathian Mountains, the Libearty Bear Sanctuary offered a refuge to most of the brown bears that had been rescued from tragic living conditions and were being kept, for example, in small cages in restaurants and gas stations. to attract customers.

Bear Sanctuary explains how, in the mid-1990s, with Romania soon to become a member of the EU and changing attitudes towards animal welfare, the country ordered the closure of poorly run zoos and prohibited people from keeping bears in captivity. Watkins is not trying to cover up the complicated ‘legal forfeiture’ process that the Libearty Bear Sanctuary had to go through to rescue mistreated grizzly bears.

Despite such obstacles, Watkins’ narrative captivates with its description of how the brown bears were brought to the sanctuary, administered necessary veterinary care, and helped to begin their journey of recovery after years of suffering.

in safe haven

With acres of lush forest all around them, the bears enjoy their days swimming in pristine pools, climbing and scratching trees, and foraging for food. Watkins tells the story of Suzi, for example, who was rescued from a dilapidated zoo after spending years in a circus. At first, Suzi only dared to move miniscule distances from a particular tree; eventually, however, she began to happily blend in with the other bears and wandered further into the forest.

In another example, Max, a brown bear captured as a cub, had spent his entire life chained up to entertain tourists or locked in a small cage. When he was rescued, vets discovered that he was completely blind, most likely from the abuse he suffered when he was young. They created a special area for him inside Libearty, where he could safely use his other senses, such as smell and hearing, to move around.

These are just two of the many success stories witnessed at this wonderful Romanian bear sanctuary. Today it provides shelter and hope to more than 60 rescued bears, who can, for the first time in their lives, enjoy the freedom that this idyllic environment offers.

A valuable resource and a wonderful read

Watkins’ well-crafted, informative words allow the reader to focus on the importance of animal welfare and the ongoing need for animal welfare organizations to protect not just grizzly bears, but all animals, from the kind of suffering that some of them still bear. Bear Sanctuary is a wonderful testament to the dedication of some inspiring people whose unwavering compassion and effort have led to the rescue of dozens and dozens of bears.