![Behind the Scenes at BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa 🐻🌳 | FOUR PAWS | [SUBS] @FOURPAWS.International](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LGQTHpwvd1g/maxresdefault.jpg)
Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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It’s early morning at BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa… which can only mean one thing: breakfast time for the bears. 🐻
Every menu is carefully tailored, with each bear’s favourites always on the list; because yes, these bears have taste. 🍎
Can you spot the last bear? 👀
Here’s a hint: he’s been calling the sanctuary home for over a decade and is often seen hanging out with his bestie, Mima. 💕🐻
.
#SanctuarySaturdays are for successful animal stories from FOUR PAWS Sanctuaries and cooperation partners around the world! 🌎
#BearSanctuary #AnimalWelfare #Bulgaria
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It’s early morning at BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa… which can only mean one thing: breakfast time for the bears. 🐻
Every menu is carefully tailored, with each bear’s favourites always on the list; because yes, these bears have taste. 🍎
Can you spot the last bear? 👀
Here’s a hint: he’s been calling the sanctuary home for over a decade and is often seen hanging out with his bestie, Mima. 💕🐻
.
#SanctuarySaturdays are for successful animal stories from FOUR PAWS Sanctuaries and cooperation partners around the world! 🌎
#BearSanctuary #AnimalWelfare #Bulgaria
Please donate to your local FOUR PAWS office should your country have one. This ensures you maximise the appropriate tax deductions according to your country's tax code.
*FOUR PAWS International*
🫴 DONATE: donate.four-paws.org/s
❤️ ADOPT: four-paws.org/get-involved/adoption-programme
Don't forget to subscribe to this channel to be informed when we upload a new video! Thanks for your support! The FOUR PAWS team
🔗 *LET'S CONNECT*
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![Behind the Scenes at BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa 🐻🌳 | FOUR PAWS | [SUBS]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LGQTHpwvd1g/mqdefault.jpg "Behind the Scenes at BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa 🐻🌳 | FOUR PAWS | [SUBS]
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It’s early morning at BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa… which can only mean one thing: breakfast time for the bears. 🐻
Every menu is carefully tailored, with each bear’s favourites always on the list; because yes, these bears have taste. 🍎
Can you spot the last bear? 👀
Here’s a hint: he’s been calling the sanctuary home for over a decade and is often seen hanging out with his bestie, Mima. 💕🐻
.
#SanctuarySaturdays are for successful animal stories from FOUR PAWS Sanctuaries and cooperation partners around the world! 🌎
#BearSanctuary #AnimalWelfare #Bulgaria
Please donate to your local FOUR PAWS office should your country have one. This ensures you maximise the appropriate tax deductions according to your countrys tax code.
*FOUR PAWS International*
🫴 DONATE: https://donate.four-paws.org/s/
❤️ ADOPT: https://www.four-paws.org/get-involved/adoption-programme
Dont forget to subscribe to this channel to be informed when we upload a new video! Thanks for your support! The FOUR PAWS team
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![#FloraToFelida - The End of a Long Journey! 🐯| FOUR PAWS | [SUBS]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LoTID8XpeTI/mqdefault.jpg "#FloraToFelida - The End of a Long Journey! 🐯| FOUR PAWS | [SUBS]
#FloraToFELIDA : A rescue in 90 seconds? 🐯✨
Rescuing an animal in just 90 seconds and bringing it from poor conditions in a former zoo in Argentina to our FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary in the Netherlands? We wish it were that simple!
But wait… for you, we made it happen — at least on screen. 🎬🧡
We know how eager you are to see footage of sweet tigress Flora’s rescue. And because it was YOUR support that made this possible in the first place, we’ve created a special 90-second recap just for you!
Of course, a real rescue takes far more than 90 seconds. It takes months. Sometimes even years. Flora’s journey began a long time ago. One crucial step towards her new life at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary was her veterinary assessment in October 2025. 🩺 During this check, severe wounds and serious dental issues were treated, and her overall condition was thoroughly assessed in preparation for her journey from Argentina to the Netherlands. ✈️🌍
This rescue was built on dedication, expertise and collaboration. 💚
Another 90-second special is coming your way next week as well… 👀
And very soon, we’ll share a longer, more in-depth video from the rescue of one tigress and two bears who all began their new chapter on the very same day – stay tuned! 🐅🐻🐻
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*FOUR PAWS International*
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![Orangutan Forest School: A safe place to grow 🦧 | FOUR PAWS | [SUBS]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Lr2DGgvrU8U/mqdefault.jpg "Orangutan Forest School: A safe place to grow 🦧 | FOUR PAWS | [SUBS]
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At Orangutan Forest School, orphaned orangutans get a second chance at life in the wild. 🌿🦧
Surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of the rainforest, they spend their days feeding, resting, exploring, and sometimes playing with other young orangutans.
With dedicated foster parents guiding them every step of the way, they develop essential survival skills, from foraging and nest-building to using tools. Safe, supported, and free to learn at their own pace, they grow in confidence every day.
Their relaxed nature says it all: they know their caregivers are always close by. 💚🦧
📸: © FOUR PAWS | Jejak Pulang
#OrangutanForestSchool #Orangutans #Borneo
Please donate to your local FOUR PAWS office should your country have one. This ensures you maximise the appropriate tax deductions according to your countrys tax code.
*FOUR PAWS International*
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![Let us Rethink Whats on our Plates! 🍽️🌿 | FOUR PAWS | [SUBS]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MJYkhWjtCFE/mqdefault.jpg "Let us Rethink Whats on our Plates! 🍽️🌿 | FOUR PAWS | [SUBS]
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Meat is eating up the planet! 🆘
Every year, we calculate #MeatExhaustionDay, the day when the maximum amount of meat that should be consumed in a year, according to the recommendations of the Planetary Health Diet, has already been exceeded.
In Germany, this day passed earlier this week, in mid‑April.
Our German colleagues were running a secret countdown all across Hamburg, counting down to German Meat Exhaustion Day - and culminating in an action in front of the historic Town Hall.
To stay within the Planetary Health Diet recommendations, Germany would need to reduce its total meat consumption by 70%.
The figures are alarming even by global standards: meat consumption in Germany is more than 1.6 times higher than the global average. 🌎
Such vast numbers inevitably go hand in hand with cruel farming conditions and animal suffering.
To meet high meat demand, over 85.4 billion animals are raised and slaughtered for meat every year worldwide. 💔
Many of them live on factory farms and are transported over long distances.
They are forced to spend their lives in crowded, dirty conditions without sunlight, suffering from injuries, disease and premature death.
The immense suffering caused by factory farming must finally come to an end. 📢
🌱 The good news: choosing plant‑based alternatives not only protects animals, but also our own health and our planet.
Let’s use this moment to rethink our habits - for an animal‑friendly, sustainable future. 💚
#MeatExhaustionDay #FactoryFarming #PlanetaryHealth
Please donate to your local FOUR PAWS office should your country have one. This ensures you maximise the appropriate tax deductions according to your countrys tax code.
*FOUR PAWS International*
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![Then vs Now: Lion Mero 🦁 | FOUR PAWS | [SUBS]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NAdxT_ADSFc/mqdefault.jpg "Then vs Now: Lion Mero 🦁 | FOUR PAWS | [SUBS]
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From a life of illegal captivity in a private home… to safety and the space to truly be a lion. 🍀
It’s been almost a year since Mero arrived at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary after being rescued from isolation in Czechia and what a transformation it’s been.
Step by step, he found his confidence:
🌳 exploring his new territory
💙 responding to the calm, caring voices around him
⚪️ discovering enrichment that sparks his natural instincts
Today, Mero is almost unrecognisable, stronger, calmer, and rocking a magnificent mane that tells his story of growth. 🦁
We couldn’t be prouder of how far he’s come. 💛
.
#SanctuarySaturdays are for successful animal stories from FOUR PAWS Sanctuaries and cooperation partners around the world! 🌎
#BigCats #LionMero #BigCatSanctuary #Netherlands
Please donate to your local FOUR PAWS office should your country have one. This ensures you maximise the appropriate tax deductions according to your countrys tax code.
*FOUR PAWS International*
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![Frol and Frosias Journey 🐻♥️ | FOUR PAWS | [SUBS]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NZJYVxCChWY/mqdefault.jpg "Frol and Frosias Journey 🐻♥️ | FOUR PAWS | [SUBS]
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New Adventures for Frol & Frosia! 🐻🐻
It’s been almost a month since these two adorable bears arrived at BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa, and they’re loving their new home! 💚
They have been thriving at BEAR SANCTUARY Domazhyr since their rescue in 2020. However, with 31 bears, the sanctuary had reached full capacity, which meant an immense workload for the team on site. In order to relieve the team and have a more balanced distribution of bears across our sanctuaries, we’ve decided to relocate them to BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa.
We’re happy to report that both bears have settled in well in their new home and continue to enjoy each other’s company. ♥️
Until recently, they have spent a lot of time swimming; now they love snacking on treats like grapes and relaxing close to one another.
Here’s to a cozy, peaceful winter for these two beauties! ❄️💤
#BearTransfer #BeforeAfter #BearSanctuaryBelitsa
Please donate to your local FOUR PAWS office should your country have one. This ensures you maximise the appropriate tax deductions according to your countrys tax code.
*FOUR PAWS International*
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![62 big cats, two bears — one #EmergencyMissionArgentina 🦁🐅🐻 | FOUR PAWS | [SUBS]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NzHRyZt0ruU/mqdefault.jpg "62 big cats, two bears — one #EmergencyMissionArgentina 🦁🐅🐻 | FOUR PAWS | [SUBS]
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In July 2025, we made history: signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Argentina, which outlines our collective goal to end the private keeping and commercial trade of big cats in the country. This landmark agreement set the stage for something extraordinary — and led us straight to the former Zoo Luján.
We knew a lot of work awaited us, from setting up logistics including tents and workspaces, to getting a lay of the land and meeting all the stakeholders and animals on-site. But we didn’t hesitate. Within weeks, our expert team, led by Dr Amir Khalil and supported by vets Julia and Frank from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, carried out 64 full health checks!
The treatments were life-changing:
✔️ Castration of all male big cats to prevent breeding
✔️ Dental repairs for painful afflictions
✔️ Medical care for health issues and wounds caused by inadequate conditions
Behind the scenes, the effort was just as intense: endless coordination with local authorities, mountains of paperwork, and international teamwork to make this mission possible. Every detail mattered - because every life mattered!
This mission united passionate professionals from around the world - and YOU, our incredible community. Your encouragement kept us going even when challenges arose! ❤️🔥️
And we’re not done yet. Finding long-term, species-appropriate solutions for every animal is now our top priority – while making sure that the animals are also doing well on-site in the meantime. 🔍
📹 Enjoyed this glimpse into the past few weeks? Make sure to follow our social media channels for more updates from Argentina soon!
00:00 Intro
00:23 The animals of the former Zoo Luján
01:17 Preparations for the 64 vet checks
03:17 Sector 4 – Moving lioness Lucy
04:26 Sector 4 – Lion brothers, lion Scar
05:50 The veterinary tent
06:26 Arrival of Dr. Julia & Dr. Frank
06:51 Team building
07:35 Start of vet assessments & tigress Luna
08:35 Bears Gordo & Florencia
09:26 Thunderstorm
09:50 Two tigers at once
10:15 Vet checks in full swing
11:08 Vet assessment: lion brothers & Scar
11:45 5 steps of a vet check
13:56 Halfway through: animal 32
14:23 The Corridor Sector
15:05 Dehydrated tiger
15:50 Outlook beyond the vet checks, enrichment planning
16:40 Animal no. 64!
17:42 Thank you!
17:58 MoU
#EmergencyMissionArgentina #FOURPAWS #Argentina
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![#EmergencyMissionArgentina - Were All in This Together! 🦁 PART ONE | FOUR PAWS | [SUBS]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OdXG7bAWCNw/mqdefault.jpg "#EmergencyMissionArgentina - Were All in This Together! 🦁 PART ONE | FOUR PAWS | [SUBS]
🆘 #EmergencyMissionArgentina: Were all in this together!
Watch now, to see a short recap of the first few days of our veterinary assessment at the former Zoo Luján - despite some unforeseen challenges, the team truly came together for the animals! 🌧️🐾 And make sure to head to Part Two as well!
For missions like this, having a strong and skilled team on the ground makes all the difference. While we’re doing our best to share insights into what’s happening in Argentina - especially now that the veterinary assessment is in full swing - it’s important to remember that a lot more is happening behind the scenes at any given moment.
Everything unfolding has been a long time in the making, with members of the FOUR PAWS family working tirelessly for weeks and months to ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly. 💪
We’re incredibly grateful for the dedicated experts on-site - from our rescue unit, to the experienced vets from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, to everyone supporting on the ground - who are coordinating seamlessly and supporting one another every step of the way. Their commitment and teamwork are truly inspiring and it’s heartwarming to see our colleagues from different nations and entities come together in Argentina! 🌍🙌
We also want to thank YOU, our amazing community, for the outpouring of kindness, encouragement, and thoughtful messages. 💌 Rest assured, the team on the ground knows just how much support they’re receiving, and it means more than you can imagine. 💝️
Please keep the incredible momentum going; we couldn’t do this without you ❣️
Donate now! https://bit.ly/emergency-mission-argentina
#AnimalWelfare #FOURPAWS
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Please donate to your local FOUR PAWS office should your country have one. This ensures you maximise the appropriate tax deductions according to your countrys tax code.
*FOUR PAWS International*
🫴 DONATE: https://donate.four-paws.org/s/
❤️ ADOPT: https://www.four-paws.org/get-involved/adoption-programme
Dont forget to subscribe to this channel to be informed when we upload a new video! Thanks for your support! The FOUR PAWS team
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![Lion Meros First Birthday at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary! 🦁✨ | FOUR PAWS | [SUBS]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OwqCHb1CRq8/mqdefault.jpg "Lion Meros First Birthday at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary! 🦁✨ | FOUR PAWS | [SUBS]
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🦁 Rescued Lion Cub Mero Turns One! 🎉
You’ve followed Mero’s story. Now here’s what it really took to get a terrified lion cub rescued from illegal private keeping to safety at his new home, FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary. 🌿
Support Mero’s new life at his forever home here ➡️ https://donate.four-paws.org/s/help-felida ❤️
Two teams. One mission. 🚐🤝
Our FELIDA team drove from the Netherlands, while project lead Patricia and colleagues travelled from Vienna. They met in Czechia, coordinated every step, and loaded Mero onto our Big Cat Ambulance to start his journey home.
The crate & the kit. 🧰
A crate built specifically for safe rescue of wild animals with secure locks, a water bowl bedding, and supplies for the trip - everything logged and checked.
A vet by his side. 🩺🦁
Wildlife veterinarian Szilvia accompanied Mero all the way, closely monitoring his wellbeing.
Paperwork, permits & protection. 🗂️✅
Weeks of planning, cross‑border authorisations, and cooperation so one cub could get a new shot at life.
All of this—every kilometre, every checklist, every careful lift— for one reason: so a lion who never should have been a “pet” can experience a better future. 💛
Two months after his rescue, Mero turns one today!
He still has a long way to go to recover from the trauma of his early life. Our dedicated caretakers at FELIDA are giving him all the care he needs to heal and grow into a confident lion.
We’re so proud of his progress so far.
Thank you for making this rescue possible. Now help us keep fighting for the lions still stuck in inappropriate private keeping. ✊🦁
00:00 Intro
00:14 Meeting Mero in Czechia
00:58 Plans for Mero’s Future
01:20 Meros Background
02:37 Issues of Private Keeping
03:28 Mero is Ready for Transport
03:50 First Hours at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary
05:00 Mero is Ready for his Future!
Support Mero’s new life at his forever home at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary ➡️ https://donate.four-paws.org/s/help-felida
#AnimalWelfare #FelidaBigCatSanctuary #LionRescue
Please donate to your local FOUR PAWS office should your country have one. This ensures you maximise the appropriate tax deductions according to your countrys tax code.
*FOUR PAWS International*
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❤️ ADOPT: https://www.four-paws.org/get-involved/adoption-programme
Dont forget to subscribe to this channel to be informed when we upload a new video! Thanks for your support! The FOUR PAWS team
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