For 23 years, brown bear Baloo has suffered a life of confinement, neglect, and mistreatment at a Romanian ski resort. Since a court in 2021 ordered his transfer to a sanctuary, he has continued to be jailed in a small cage on an unnatural cereal and lemonade and even alcohol-based diet and taunted by tourists poking him on the street with sticks. His case exposes a horrifying trend: a lack of enforcement of wildlife conservation legislation in Romania has left captive bears languishing in inhumane conditions.
A Life of Misery: Baloo’s Tragic Existence
Baloo’s enclosure, little wider than a car park space, stands alongside a ski lift, and he has spent his lifetime on show. In contrast to wild bears roaming huge areas of land, he paces relentlessly in his empty pen, a symptom of extreme psychological distress. He survives on a diet of little better than junk and booze, which can lead to liver disease and metabolic conditions. Witnesses testify to children poking him with sticks as they traumatised an animal already deprived of dignity.
Romania’s Broken Promise to Protect Bears
In 2005, Romania banned private individuals from keeping bears in captivity, a law meant to curb exploitation. Yet, enforcement remains shockingly lax. Hundreds of bears still suffer in roadside zoos, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Baloo’s case is especially egregious because, in April 2021, a final court ruling ordered his transfer to Libearty Bear Sanctuary. But the resort has ignored the decision, proving that without public pressure, legal victories mean little for animals like Baloo.
Why Hasn’t Baloo Been Freed Yet?
Romania outlawed keeping bears in captivity by private individuals in 2005 as a step toward halting exploitation. However, enforcement has been woefully lenient. Hundreds of bears remain confined in roadside zoos and tourist spots as well as restaurants. Baloo’s situation is particularly heinous because in April 2021 a court finally ruled his removal and transfer to Libearty Bear Sanctuary. The resort has disregarded the ruling, showing us all that without pressure from the general populace, judicial wins mean very little for animals like Baloo.
Libearty Sanctuary: A Second Chance for Baloo
Legal loopholes and bureaucratic holdups and a lack of political will have kept Baloo a prisoner. Local officials have ruled in his favor in court, but they’ve refused to act on the ruling. Activists think the resort benefits from his confinement and uses him as a gory sideshow attraction. If immediate action isn’t taken, Baloo may spend his final years suffering, and in captivity, bears can live well into their 30s, so he could possibly suffer another decade or more.
How You Can Help Free Baloo
Public pressure has liberated bears previously. Global outrage in 2019 relocated Inuka from a Ukrainian restaurant to Libearty. Baloo’s case also calls for the same urgency:
- Sign petitions demanding Romanian authorities enforce the court order.
- Post his story on social networking platforms to raise awareness.
- Support groups like World Animal Protection and AMP campaign for his release.
The Bigger Picture: Ending Bear Exploitation in Romania
Baloo’s misery is not unique. Romania, where the most brown bears in all of Europe reside, has become a hub of captive bear exploitation. In spite of regulations in place, corruption and complacency grant offenders a free hand. Increasing enforcement capacity at resorts, expanding sanctuary space, and making the resorts accountable are key steps but it all begins with collective push from citizens.
Time is Running Out for Baloo
Each passing day in captivity worsens Baloo’s trauma. The court has ruled, the sanctuary awaits now, the world needs to make justice happen. If sufficient voices call for action, the authorities in Romania will not be able to ignore them and free Baloo. Will you be among the movement that finally gives Baloo his well-deserved life?
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Jan loves Wildlife and Animals and is one of the founders of Animals Around The Globe. He holds an MSc in Finance & Economics and is a passionate PADI Open Water Diver. His favorite animals are Mountain Gorillas, Tigers, and Great White Sharks. He lived in South Africa, Germany, the USA, Ireland, Italy, China, and Australia. Before AATG, Jan worked for Google, Axel Springer, BMW and others.
