We care about all animals, not just bears. At the sanctuary in Zarnesti, we also take care of foxes and nine wolves. Coming from poorly run or closed down zoos that offered them a life of poverty—mostly of space and food—the wolves are now enjoying a peaceful life.
Ten-year-old Luna was the last wolf to arrive at the sanctuary. She now shares nearly 1.5 acres with her eight “friends,” who came to us under similar circumstances.
Luna spent the first three years of her life in an enclosure that was barely four square meters large. Her parents ”lived” in the same conditions at the Baia Mare Zoo. Seven years ago, the space where she was living was enlarged to 200 square meters—still too small to be shared with three other wolves. A year ago, after her cellmates were sent to other zoos, she remained all alone.
Now she can again enjoy the company of other wolves. She hasn’t quite gotten used to her new lifestyle, which affords her plenty of food and no worries. She’ll spend some time in quarantine, and then she’ll be released in the Training Area, where four other wolves are already preparing to meet the pack from the large enclosure.
Access to the wolves’ enclosure is restricted to visitors, as these animals don’t like being around people. Only the caregivers “bother” them to bring them their food. At the sanctuary as in the wild, wolves shy away from the curious glances of people. But their presence is felt far away, thanks to their eerie howls, which, contrary to popular belief, can be heard even when the moon isn’t full.
