Europe's largest bear sanctuary built in Romania
BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Two animal rights groups say Europe's largest bear sanctuary, housing dozens of bears rescued from captivity, has been completed in Romania.
The World Society for the Protection of Animals and Millions of Friends said Wednesday that 78 bears which once roamed wild before they were illegally caught have found a home in the sprawling Libearty sanctuary.
The sanctuary in Romania's Transylvania region has been steadily extended since it was first opened in 2005.
Romania is home to more than half of the wild bears in the European Union.
The animal rights groups said bear enthusiasts can visit the 66-acre (27-hectare) sanctuary, near the town of Zarnesti.
The World Society for the Protection of Animals has built similar sanctuaries in Greece, Turkey, Hungary, Thailand, Pakistan, India and Laos.
