Where were the lion Erion and bear Flora rescued from?

Erion and Flora were rescued from a private estate in Albania where they were being kept as pets.

How did authorities find the lion Erion in Albania?

Authorities located the lion Erion after his owner posted videos of him on TikTok.

What are the conditions like for exotic animals in Albania?

Albania faces significant issues with illegal wildlife trade, leading to many exotic animals, including over 60 big cats, being kept in poor conditions on private properties.

Home / Environment / Lion and Bear Rescued from Albanian Estate

Lion and Bear Rescued from Albanian Estate

18 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Lion Erion and bear Flora were rescued after owner posted videos on TikTok.
Both animals were in poor condition, with Flora malnourished and Erion losing mane.
Albania faces systemic illegal wildlife trade issues, with over 60 big cats kept illegally.

Lion and Bear Rescued from Albanian Estate

A complex rescue operation in Albania has successfully relocated a lion, Erion, and a bear, Flora, to specialized sanctuaries in Germany. The animals were discovered being kept as pets on a private estate. Authorities initiated the rescue after locating Erion through videos shared on TikTok by his owner.

Both Erion and Flora were reportedly in poor health upon their rescue. Flora suffered from malnourishment and dental issues, while Erion experienced mane loss. After being sedated and crated, they embarked on a 70-hour journey across Europe, arriving in Germany on December 13.

This operation underscores Albania's struggle with illegal wildlife trade and the private keeping of exotic animals. Organizations like FOUR PAWS advocate for stronger legislation to combat the issue, as weak laws and enforcement allow animals to be kept in substandard conditions, with an estimated over 60 big cats still in captivity.