At a ski resort in Romania, an encaged bear lives out his life as a mascot, and the years he’s spent behind bars are celebrated with pomp and festivity throughout the resort. Another year, another cake—thus has Baloo “enjoyed” the14 years spent in his cage at the Straja resort in Hunedoara. Emil Părău, Baloo’s illegal owner, prides himself—like a good “mother”—on saving the life of this bear. Regretfully, the bear has paid him dearly, offering him his freedom – the most precious gift Mother Nature endows a wild animal.
We’ve fought for him for seven years
Fourteen years ago, Baloo was found wounded in the mountains and he was taken to a hospital by the mountain rescuers from Straja. When he recovered, he came into the care of the businessman Emil Părău, who turned him into the resort’s mascot and has refused to give him up under any circumstances. Although it’s obvious that it would be better for him to live among the old oaks of the bear sanctuary in Zărnești. AMP has been trying for more than seven years to rescue Baloo from the bars that are keeping him trapped and release him in the Libearty bear sanctuary..
Two other bears, Puppy and Pamy, would have tasted the same cake of frustration if they hadn’t been confiscated and released in the sanctuary at Zarnesti. They grew big and handsome, while poor Baloo remains to serve his punishment. AMP hasn’t forgotten him and has been trying for years to free him, but the illegal owner won’t be persuaded.
Although he weighs over 350 kilos, the bear remains trapped not only by a cage but by “red tape created by the illegal owner . In order to give a legal edge to his prison, Emil Parău has tried to become legal using the Law of Zoos. Five years ago, upon the notification of the animal protection NGOs, the Veterinary Sanitary Department has sanctioned the owner with a fine and obligated him to become legal. But this hasn’t happened yet.
A petition for Baloo
An animal lover, moved by the story of Baloo, has initiated an online petition where anyone can sign and seek his release. If you are interested, then please go to: http://www.petitieonline.com/ursul_baloo_liber and sign the petition!
