Maya – The Heartbreaking Beginning of an Extraordinary Project
1998. In the courtyard of a hotel near Bran Castle, Maya lived in a filthy cage with metal bars and a concrete floor. Day after day, she waited and hoped that someone would bring her something to eat.
“When I first saw her, she was emaciated and could barely lift her head. She had been forgotten by everyone, and even now I still wonder: was she waiting to die? I will never forget the emotions that overwhelmed me when I looked into her eyes, nor the boundless fury I felt towards the people who had condemned such an animal to a slow and painful death.
From that moment on, for four years, my husband and I, with the help of our friends, travelled more than 60 kilometres every day to feed Maya and spend a little time with her. Over time, we managed to improve her health and lift her spirits. Before long, she began to recognise the sound of our car and would stand up to greet us. She taught us about the depth of an animal’s soul and the gratitude of an innocent being.”
Sadly, in 2001, after three years, Maya began to show new signs of depression.
“I spoke to her constantly. I promised her that one day she would be free again to run through the forest, and I begged her to be patient and wait. But it seems that, in the end, Maya lost faith in the promises made by humans.
She began to harm herself. She gnawed at her right paw until it was almost down to the bone. When I saw the blood on her paw, I understood that she wanted to escape all the suffering caused by captivity. Despite everything we did to save her—operations, treatments, time spent by her side, a proper diet and more—Maya eventually left us on 11 March 2002. She died in my arms. I will never forget her sad eyes or her soft fur. Yes, I held a bear in my arms.
After she was gone, the only thing I could still do for Maya was keep my promise: to build the sanctuary I had promised her and ensure that no other bear would ever endure what she had endured.”
The Libearty Sanctuary is dedicated to Maya, who now shines among the stars of Ursa Major, and to all the bears who enjoy a happier life today because of the suffering she endured.
Maya’s DEATH was, in fact, the BIRTH of the Libearty Sanctuary.
Remember Maya. Help us care for the bears who are still alive!
Cristina Lapis — President of the Millions of Friends Association
