Two Bear Cubs Rescued from Captivity in Saranda

TIRANA, August 5

Two brown bear cubs, which were exploited for personal profits in the beaches of Ksamil, southern Albania, were rescued by the State Environment Inspectorate in cooperation with the State Police. Meanwhile, the person that kept the two bears in captivity was arrested as he violated the law on biodiversity and wildlife conservation. The two cubs, about five months old that were kept in miserable conditions are now under special care in the premises of Tirana Zoo.
“The State Environment Inspectorate is continuing the work for finding and rescuing bears and other wild animals that are kept against the law,” chair of the inspectorate Ergys Agasi said.
On his part the chair of the Agency of Parks and Recreation, Blendi Gonxhe said that the two cubs have been quarantined and vaccinated by specialists and veterinarians.
This is the first time that the Ministry of Environment addressed this concern that has been raised for many years. Several initiatives were undertaken during 2016 after the signing of an agreement with Four Paws International. The organization will offer technical assistance for the establishment of the first bear sanctuary in Albania. So far three bears have been sent to ARCTUROS shelter in Greece, one in Germany and another one in Italy.

News Source/Photo Credit: Ministry of Environment