FOUR PAWS International

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Rescue of Lion Erion & Bear Flora in Albania

Dear aaa,

Thank you for being with us in 2026

As we step into a new year, we want to begin with one simple message: thank you. Your support makes it possible to rescue animals in urgent need, challenge cruelty at its roots, and build long-term solutions worldwide.

January is a moment to reflect, reconnect, and look ahead. Here’s how your compassion is already shaping a kinder future for animals – and how you can stay involved.

A rescue against all odds: Flora & Erion

Towards the end of last year, FOUR PAWS was urgently called to help two young wild animals suffering from illegal private keeping in northern Albania: Flora, a two-year-old brown bear, and Erion, a three-year-old lion. Both were confiscated by authorities and needed immediate, safe, lifelong homes.

What followed was an extraordinary rescue journey. Our teams crossed six countries and more than 2,000 kilometres, navigating border delays, long nights, and intense logistics – all to ensure Flora and Erion arrived safely.

After days on the road, Erion calmly stepped into his temporary home at TIERART Wild Animal Sanctuary, before his future move to LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary. Flora arrived at BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz, where she explored her indoor enclosure, enjoyed her first meal, and even rolled joyfully in vegetables.

This rescue marks more than a happy ending. It’s a powerful step in tackling the illegal private ownership – and proof of what’s possible when expertise, teamwork, and determination come together.

Read more about Flora & Erion’s journey

A historic win: Poland bans fur farming

In a landmark decision, Poland has officially banned fur farming, becoming the 18th EU country to do so. This is a huge breakthrough – especially as Poland was Europe’s largest fur producer, with millions of animals affected each year.

This decision is the result of years of relentless advocacy by our Polish colleagues at Anima International, and our fellow members of the Fur Free Alliance.

Existing fur farms will close by 2034, with many expected to shut down much sooner. This victory shows that progress is possible, even in industries long resistant to change. Now it’s Europe’s turn. Only an EU-wide fur farming and sales ban will end the cruelty for fur fashion.

Read more about the fur ban

Luxury without cruelty: Michael Kors must act

Behind soft wool garments lies a hard truth. Every year, millions of lambs suffer through live lamb cutting (also known as mulesing). This painful, outdated practice is still used in Australia – the biggest wool producing country, despite humane alternatives.

FOUR PAWS’ latest investigation found that Michael Kors scored zero for transparency and action on this issue, ranking worst among more than 100 global fashion brands. In response, celebrities, creators, and animal advocates came together to send a clear message: we’re breaking up with cruelty.

Watch the video and sign the petition

Stray Animal Care: data that changes lives

In 2025, our Stray Animal Care teams made remarkable progress worldwide – but one milestone stands out. Together with local partners, we released Kosovo’s first-ever nationwide street dog population survey.

This groundbreaking data provides the foundation for humane, effective dog population management – and signals a shift away from outdated, harmful approaches toward evidence-based solutions that protect both animals and communities.

In 2026, together with the nationally responsible working group, FOUR PAWS will put the results to action and conduct strategy workshops with the municipalities to create humane dog population management plans.