Viorel was born at Câmpulung Moldovenesc (Suceava County) where he lived for 2 years as a pet, keeping company for the hunter and his family, who killed his mother.
After 2 years, when the hunter finally realized that the bear represents a real threat to his family, Viorel was taken to a private, unauthorized, mini-zoo in Haţeg where he became friend of misery with 4 aurochs, 4 deers and 14 pheasants. He spent 8 years in a small cage, in the open, exposed to all the nature’s fury.
In July 2006 he moved for the last time. He came to the Sanctuary, where at the age of 10 he realized that he’s not the only one of his kind and is enjoying the freedom of the first enclosure.
