FOUR PAWS

Update about Bear Na at BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh (BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh): Having successfully completed a 30-day quarantine, we were pleased to transfer Na to the larger bear house dens.

Here, we continue to broaden her exposure to new spaces, smells, and new bears. It is critical that this is a gradual process taken at Na’s pace, we still have as much to learn about her as she has about us. We want her to feel safe and comfortable in the dens before she takes her first exciting steps outside. This experience can be very daunting and overwhelming for the bears and therefore it’s important for them to have a safe space to return to whenever they want.

As previously mentioned, Na’s most concerning issue has been renal insufficiency, which is poor function of the kidneys. Our second health check unfortunately confirmed the diagnosis at an advanced stage. If we compare it with dogs, it would be stage 3. The staging is related to blood creatinine, urine analysis (Protein-Creatinine Quotient) as well as blood pressure.

Hibernating species, including bears, in general, are not very susceptible to renal disease, and this finding in Na is rare. Poor husbandry, nutrition, lack of drinking water, as well as repeated historical bile extractions under inappropriate aesthesia over many years have led to this. The condition is irreversible, and we are unable to estimate how long Na has left, however the good news is that currently she shows no clinical signs. It is imperative we rescue the remaining bears on farms, as soon as possible, to ensure such medical issues are prevented.

In our species-appropriate sanctuary at BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh, Na will have a choice. A brighter future and a life of greater dignity and quality awaits. With the continued expert care from our bear caretakers and veterinary team, we are cautiously hopeful these first days are an inflection point for Na. A time for Na to experience some of the life she always deserved.

It's a snow day for Oska, Ron, and Mira at our BEAR SANCTUARY Prishtina ()!

The bear trio is still quite active and loved playing in the cold. Meanwhile, most of the bears at the sanctuary have plumped up, and look as fluffy as ever. They are getting around 37lbs of food a day, and their favorite treats are the sweet ones like apples, kiwis and grapes.

We hope they will snuggle up in their cozy dens soon and will have a relaxing winter. Be sure to wish them a safe and happy winter season!

Introducing Ben, our resilient Asiatic black bear!

25 years ago, FOUR PAWS rescued bears for the first time and brought them to our first ever bear sanctuary to give them a new chance at life in a species-appropriate habitat. To celebrate this anniversary, we want to take you on a journey through 25 different bear rescues over the years, exploring all our different bear sanctuaries! Stay tuned this hibernation season.

Imagine living your whole life in a small cage of 4m², it’s almost impossible, right? Sadly, this was the hard reality of bear Ben. Ever since he was a little cub, the Asiatic black bear had been looking at the two concrete walls surrounding his cold and iron cage. In 2019, our team raced to Son La province in Vietnam for an urgent rescue mission. Ben was underweight, with a chronically inflamed gallbladder, likely a result of bile abuse. After a 120+ miles journey, however, he finally set foot in his new, species-appropriate home - BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh ()! 🚚

In his new home, Ben received close monitoring and immediate care. His journey to recovery was a long one but we could not wait to witness his progress! No more metal cage bars – Ben finally enjoyed a species-appropriate environment, relishing delicious meals like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, bananas, and rice soup. Although he's still cautious and food-focused, Ben gained 13 lbs in his first few weeks at the sanctuary and even more since then!

He still enjoys eating, but has also shown massive improvements in his overall behavior. He is showing curiosity towards his caregivers and is interacting with the enrichments lovingly provided in his enclosure. We’re so grateful that we were able to give him this second chance at life! Join us in cheering for Ben's transformation from confinement to freedom!

📸 © FOUR PAWS & Hoang Le | FOUR PAWS

: FOUR PAWS closes a dog meat restaurant in Hoi An city in Vietnam.

Every year, the meat from more than 350 dogs used to be consumed at a restaurant in Hoi An Vietnam. It was one of the city's last remaining establishments serving dog meat dishes - and thanks to FOUR PAWS and the Hoi An People’s Committee, no dog will be harmed there anymore.

As the animals were not slaughtered on site, no dogs were at the premises when we facilitated the closure today. However, it was an eerie feeling to stand in a place that was the final destination of so many dogs. Together with the owner, who was willing to move away from this horrible trade, we took down the sign of the restaurant and closed it for good.

The closure was the conclusion of a successful collaboration with the Hoi An People’s Committee and follows a wide range of activities completed across the last two years. These have included mass sterilization and vaccination drives, local authority training, and a public awareness campaign highlighting the dangers of the dog and cat meat trade.

More information on the FOUR PAWS campaign to end the dog and cat meat trade in Southeast Asia, can be found here ➡️ https://bit.ly/47JYtoa

Final painting reveal!

In partnership with FOUR PAWS, Sophy Tuttle Art created this beautiful painting based on rescued lion Mario, who lives at our LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa.

Just as each piece of artwork is unique, so too are each of our rescued big cats, and at our sanctuaries, each animal receives the specialized care they need to recover from their traumatic past and live a healthy and fulfilling life in a species-appropriate environment.

The painting, which highlights our work with big cats around the world, is also a part of the national mural and art project with Endangered Species Coalition, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

Thank you, Sophy for creating this beautiful tribute to our big cats!

Kosovo is a small country located in Southeast Europe. Next to constant political tensions, the nation also faces problems with its massive stray dog population. In the capital city of Prishtina alone, an estimated 3.000 stray dogs roam the streets in a daily struggle to find food and shelter.

With basically no access to medical treatments or regular sources of nourishment, life for these dogs is hard enough already. However, the situation was about to change for the worse in 2022 when the government announced a new draft law: all dogs, regardless of their health status or whether they showed any aggressive behavior, were allowed to be killed after a 14-day holding period in a shelter. This law was proposed under the rising pressure from the population and triggered by countless complaints about people being attacked and bitten by stray dogs.

This is where FOUR PAWS stepped into action: after numerous initiatives, including a workshop with the officials hosted together with Animal Rights Foundation Kosovo, we were able to have that law changed in 2023. At least the most imminent danger for these dogs facing death was banned for now. However, the situation is still dire and the fact that hundreds of stray dogs continue to be born into this difficult situation demands urgent action. This is why FOUR PAWS prepared a trip to Kosovo to get some help to these animals and support the local communities in dealing with the stray animal population.

We will keep you posted on the situation in Kosovo and come back with an update shortly. Follow us for more!

: Bear Iva is hibernating for the first time ever!

Rescued in September of last year, Iva has managed to adapt incredibly well into her new home, and she is already snuggled up in her cozy den.

It has been more than a week since the bear withdrew in one of the dens in her enclosure. She has been sharing her space with bears Teddy and Riku since this past summer. The two youngsters are still active, however they are not disturbing Iva from her peaceful sleep.

The onsite team is astonished with Iva’s progress since her arrival at BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa (ПАРК ЗА МЕЧКИ Белица ), which is run in cooperation with Foundation Brigitte Bardot (Fondation Brigitte Bardot ). She has had a great year so far and it seems that the winter ahead is going to be a super cozy one for the fluffy bear. Be sure to wish her well for her first-ever winter sleep in the comments below!

FOUR PAWS helps Romanian horses in need! Our dedicated team - Kuki, Ovidiu, Andrei, and Florin from our partner organization ARCA - went to Mogosoaia and Gruiu, Ilfov County, during a weekend in October to support the working horses by providing medical care.

In 2 days, our farriers, Mr. Gheorghita and Ducu worked their magic on 36 horses -trimming hooves, shoeing horses, and ensuring each step is comfortable.

We also provided essential medical care, from treating to deworming, cleaning, and treating teeth.

We are glad we could help so many horses! Stay tuned for more updates on these incredible creatures and the work we do to support them.

Luna was found in the bushes near Peris, in Romania, not being able to stand. Most likely she was hit by a car, and one of her legs was severely injured, very infected and full of maggots.

She was in great pain, dehydrated and starving. We rushed her to the clinic to save her life.

Her leg had to be amputated, but we are forever grateful she survived.

While she was still recovering, a man who visited our clinic fell in love with her and decided to adopt her. While Luna had a rough start, we are grateful for the opportunity to provide her with the care she needed to save her life. We wish her all the best in her new home where she can be happy and healthy for the rest of her days!

FOUR PAWS is honored to be partnering with Sophy Tuttle Art to advocate for big cat protection.

Sophy Tuttle is a Boston-based artist specializing in nature inspired murals and artwork. Her work celebrates nature, reconsiders our position in the web of life, and creates new narratives that explore regenerative, resilient culture-building among all forms of life.

The painting, which highlights our work with big cats around the world, is also a part of the national mural and art project with Endangered Species Coalition, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

Be sure to follow us to see the final reveal of the finished painting!

Recently, FOUR PAWS' Rapid Response team successfully rescued nearly 50 wild animals from an uncertain fate in war-torn Sudan.

Left behind as millions of people fled the conflict-ridden area and on the brink of starvation, these animals, including at more than 15 lions, were nearing the end of their rope.

But, thanks to supporters like YOU and donors like Tigers in America and A Kinder World Foundation, our team was able to provide a brighter future for the wild animals brought to safety at Um Barona National Park. Without your support, these incredible and challenging missions would not be possible. THANK YOU!

And if you missed Giving Tuesday, don't worry! You still have the opportunity to support these animals in need. FOUR PAWS is supporting the Um Barona National Park with food supplies for one month for all the animals, medications as well as with urgently needed improvements that need to be made at the park. While the animals are now in safe hands, they continue to need our support to ensure they can successfully recuperate from their harrowing past. Donate today https://bit.ly/fpusgivingtuesday

Let's check in with Tsezar!

It has been 2 years since he arrived safely at our FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary (FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary). Rescued from a life of exploitation in a private club, the 13-year-old tiger was transferred from Ukraine to the Netherlands in October 2021.

We are amazed by the transformation that Tsezar has made during these past 2 years. Despite his chronic kidney disease, the beautiful tiger still greets the animal caretakers every day. Except when he is busy, sleeping in his favorite hammock of course!

We are so proud to have given Tsezar a better life these past couple of years and look forward to many, many more where he can thrive in the best possible care.

📸© FOUR PAWS | Jeanine Noordermeer

In September, FOUR PAWS started a joint project in Romania with our local partner Animal Society and Protectia Animalelor CJ Ilfov by implementing a humane dog population management program in Ilfov County – surrounding the Romanian capital Bucharest.

We started with street dog surveys and household surveys to get a better understanding of the dog populations in Peris, one of the communes of Ilfov County. During the CNVR (Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release) activities, we met dog Alfie.

Our team from Animal Society received a call from workers who were building a highway near Peris. They found a dog near their work area in a very bad state with a horrible neck wound.

Our field team did not hesitate, went to the place and picked up the young male Malinois mix, that we named Alfie. Alfie was in such a bad state that he nearly passed out when he arrived at the clinic.

Initially, we thought that the wound on Alfie’s neck was a tumor, but after our veterinarians analyzed his neck more closely, they found that it was a very ugly, big wound that had not been taken care of and got severely infected. So severe, that inside the wound they found many worms. He was basically being eaten alive.

For several days, Alfie got intense treatment. Despite the discomfort he must have been in, he was very gentle with people and other animals.

He especially fell in love with Ciprian, the clinic worker, and Georgica, one of the dog catchers. They formed a close friendship, and saw Alfie flourish.

Once he regained his strength, he turned out to be a real rascal! He managed to break two cages and steal food. It was clear Alfie felt much better and had the energy of a young dog once again.

The best news of all: we found him a lovely family where he can spend the rest of his life, living the life he deserves.

📸 FOUR PAWS | Animal Society

FOUR PAWS releases our 2023 Animal Welfare in Fashion report!

Our latest report, published in collaboration with Good On You , highlights a concerning trend – animal welfare is still not a mainstream focus in the fashion industry. The analysis of 100 major brands exposes critical gaps and poor performers in animal welfare policies and commitments. Many luxury brands are lagging, but there are some bright spots too: Patagonia and McCartney lead the way for animal welfare among brands using animal-derived materials.

The report urges the fashion industry to prioritize animal welfare, especially considering that over five billion animals are used for fashion each year. While 72% of brands have animal welfare policies, many lack real impact for animals.

The report also highlights the environmental impact of fashion, with material production and processing responsible for up to 70% of the industry's carbon emissions. Brands are encouraged to refine, reduce, and replace materials, embracing certifications and innovative alternatives for a kinder and environmentally conscious future.

Read the full report for insights into the challenges and progress in animal welfare in the fashion industry. (https://bit.ly/2023_Fashion_Report) Let's make compassion and sustainability the next big trend! Your choices as a consumer matter, driving positive change in the industry.

Amalia was once kept in a barren metal cage - now she is on her way to become fully free.

We rescued Amalia together with Eska from a private zoo that was shut down by authorities. They were both held in one cage.

When she first arrived, Amalia wouldn't even make eye contact - and it took her quite awhile before she felt comfortable and confident enough to do so. Slowly but surely, over the years, she was able to build trust with her caretakers and become a more self-assured adult.

When Amalia joined our ORANGUTAN FOREST SCHOOL, she built nests from the beginning on and slept under the stars. Amalia even permitted her friend Eska to sleep in the night nests she constructed.

We are incredibly excited to tell you that the Indonesian Government asked us for our expertise to rehome Amalia and Eska into the wild soon. This is a huge achievement for both orangutans! Stay tuned for more updates.

📸 FOUR PAWS | Nanang Sujana