Confiscated Lion and Bear From Albanian Estate Begin New Lives in German Sanctuaries

A lion and a bear that were illegally kept as pets on a private estate in northern Albania have been safely relocated to wildlife sanctuaries in Germany, following a complex international rescue operation led by the animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS.

Authorities in Tirana confiscated the animals earlier this month after Albania’s National Forestry Agency traced the lion—named Erion—through videos posted by its owner on TikTok. The owner, whose identity has not been released, had kept the three-year-old lion and a two-year-old bear named Flora in cramped, unsuitable enclosures on private property.

A Rescue Triggered by Social Media

The investigation began when forestry officials discovered online footage showing the lion being handled as a domestic pet. The videos prompted an on-site inspection, where both animals were found living in conditions that violated Albania’s wildlife protection laws. The case highlights the country’s ongoing struggle with illegal wildlife ownership and the private keeping of exotic species, a problem animal welfare groups say remains widespread across the region.

A 70-Hour Journey to Safety

Following their confiscation, a specialised FOUR PAWS rescue team sedated the animals, conducted medical checks, and prepared them for a 70-hour journey across seven countries to reach their new homes in Germany. Veterinarians monitored the lion and bear throughout the trip to ensure their safety and stability.

Magdalena Scherk-Trettin, a senior project manager for rescues at FOUR PAWS, said the organisation was relieved to see the animals finally removed from captivity.

“We are very happy that the authorities confiscated the animals and that we now have the chance to bring them to Germany, where they can start over and live in species-appropriate conditions,” Scherk-Trettin said.

New Beginnings in German Sanctuaries

Erion the lion has been placed in a specialised big-cat sanctuary, while Flora the bear has been transferred to a separate facility designed to rehabilitate bears rescued from abusive or illegal environments. Both sanctuaries offer expansive natural enclosures, veterinary care, and long-term rehabilitation plans tailored to each animal’s needs.

Early reports from the sanctuaries indicate that both animals are adapting well to their new surroundings after years of confinement.

A Broader Wildlife Crisis

FOUR PAWS has warned that Albania remains a hotspot for illegal wildlife trade and private ownership of exotic animals. The organisation estimates that more than 60 big cats may still be held in poor conditions across the country, often in roadside zoos, private estates, or makeshift enclosures.

The successful relocation of Erion and Flora, however, is being hailed as a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to curb illegal wildlife possession.