Carsten Hertwig (our bear expert) is relieved and says, "Although Monti is only one and a half years old, he has clearly suffered a lot in the past. He was probably captured and sold after his mother was killed in an illegal hunt. These illegal hunts of animals protected by law continue to take place in Bulgaria, encouraged by irresponsible or unsuspecting hunters from Western Europe. Fortunately, we were able to rescue Monti and can now provide him with a happy life.”

Fortunately the FOUR PAWS team and the Bulgarian authorities were able to move quickly: within three days of the bear’s discovery he was rescued and transferred to our bear sanctuary in Bulgaria. Thankfully, Monti will be able to live the rest of his life free from suffering, as a bear should.

Monti took his first steps in his new home, a natural enclosure in our bear sanctuary. Although the unfamiliar noises coming from the neighbouring enclosures initially confused the young bear, it was obvious he enjoyed the feeling of grass under his feet! Monti eventually relaxed and enjoyed his first meal under open sky.