Imagine what it would be like to grow up all by yourself, not even knowing if anyone else like you even existed in the world. It would be quite lonely, wouldn’t it? 

Riku the bear’s life started out this way. He spent the first couple years of his life locked in a small room. He had never even seen another bear. Then, one day, the Albanian Veterinary Inspectorate contacted Four Paws requesting urgent help.

The bear’s owner was no longer willing or able to take care of him, so if someone didn’t step in, Riku’s life could be in danger. Thankfully, Four Paws knew what to do. 

Four Paws is a strong, global and independent voice for animals under direct human influence. Our vision is a world where people treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding.

In the case of Riku, Four Paws arrived at the bear’s home and found him tightly chained to a shed. The bear was scared for his life and didn’t know if the people there to help him were friends or enemies.

Four Paws managed to free Riku and safely transport him to a temporary home at the Tirana Zoo, but this was only temporary. His real home was a much longer journey away.

After traveling through Macedonia and Greece, Riku finally arrived at his new home in Bulgaria – Dancing Bears Park Belista. This wonderful sanctuary for bears has dense forests, lush meadows, ponds for swimming, sunny areas and even artificial dens. It’s basically a bear’s dream come true.

As the name suggests, Dancing Bears houses many bears who were trained to dance and perform, but it is also home to other bears that were previously in torturous situations. The goal is to give the bears a safe home that is as natural as possible.

Since Riku had undergone a long journey, and since he was not used to being around other bears, his transition to freedom was gradual. At first, Riku was kept inside so he could adjust to his new home. Then, he was allowed into an outside area, but he was still kept separate from the other bears there. 

Even before he was allowed to interact with other bears, Riku did touch noses with a 22-year-old bear named Gabriella. Riku was only 2-years-old, but that didn’t stop him from falling for an older woman.

Riku and Gabriella now frolic and play together all the time. It’s a true love story, and the pair is inseparable. Watch the video below to see them interact for yourself. It’s so sweet!

Riku’s life has certainly changed for the better. We’re so glad that organizations like Four Paws and Dancing Bears Park exist.