In 1992, Gheorghe Cilan bought two bears—a female and a male—from the zoo in Arad. „I’ve rescued them from starvation,” he now insists as he beats his fist on his chest, 22 years after establishing the first bear farm in Europe—100% illegal. In his infinite love for these animals, he locked them in a 40 square-meter rusty shack at his home on the outskirts of Fântânele, 10 kilometers from Arad. Nobody can get inside, not even to see them. Intruders risk being shot, electrocuted, or bitten by dogs!
He was selling them on the internet
It’s against the laws of nature to breed wild animals in captivity, like chickens, but Gheorghe Cilan only takes into account his own laws. His motivation for owning the bear cubs seems unselfish and free of material interests, but in 2009, in a local newspaper in Arad, an interesting ad appeared: „ Selling Carpathian bear cubs, three months old, male, fourth generation in captivity, raised and cared for in the house in exceptional conditions. They are very friendly and playful, it all depends on who takes care of them and feeds them. More details after 8:30 PM.” When the phone number from the ad was called, the illegal owner’s wife answered. Actually, Cilan was selling the bear cubs as if they were puppies, although possession and selling of wild animals is prohibited by law.
The first bear owner is being prosecuted
For more than four years, AMP has been trying to shut this farm down and take over the tortured animals. After tens of referrals to local and national authorities, our last hope lies in court. A few days ago, the Court of Arad approved the criminal prosecution of Gheorghe Cilan for illegal possession of wild animals—a first for the Romanian justice system. Cilan will be the first citizen prosecuted for illegal possession of wild animals.
In a democratic state, power lies in the hands of citizens. Do your part to rescue the bears: send a message to the National Environmental Guard, the National Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority!
