Rescue Bears Gordo and Florencia

Although the former Zoo Luján in Buenos Aires province had been shut down in 2020 over major welfare concerns, many animals remained on-site in 2025. In August of that year, we accepted an invitation from the government of Argentina and the zoo’s management to evaluate their situation. When we returned, what we found was deeply troubling: the animals’ safety, health, and overall well-being remained at risk. 

By September, FOUR PAWS had taken responsibility for the animals at the former zoo. We immediately began improving on-site husbandry conditions and preparing the urgent next steps. That moment marked the launch of our #EmergencyMissionArgentina. 

In mid-November, we reached a defining milestone. We carried out the largest and most complex mission in our history to date: an extensive veterinary assessment that saw more than 60 animals examined and treated. At the same time, we evaluated long-term, species-appropriate solutions to secure a safe and dignified future for every single one of them.

Among these animals were two bears called Gordo and Florencia, whose keeping conditions sadly fell far short of what they needed. Their mental health greatly suffered from the substandard circumstances they were held in. But we were able to step in, put their well-being first, and make a change and can now hope the two bears will soon thrive in our BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa. 

Thanks to the cooperation of the authorities and the owner of the former zoo, we want to offer these beautiful bears a species-appropriate home in Bulgaria — a place where they can forage through the woods, dig cozy dens, swim in pools, and even hibernate if they choose. With your support, we can give Gordo and Florencia the chance at a new life. 

Florencia, aged 17, arrived at the former zoo in Argentina as a cub. For a short time, she shared an enclosure with Gordo, before being separated to prevent breeding. Our team describes her as a gentle, calm, and sensitive bear with shiny fur and a love for water. We can’t wait to see her explore her natural surroundings and discover enrichments! 

Gordo, one year younger, also came to the former zoo as a cub. His former caretakers say he loves searching for food and spending time in the water. Despite his giant size, Gordo has a playful and gentle nature. His recent vet check showed that he’s in good health, although he will need to lose weight and adapt his diet to fully thrive in his new home.

Rescues like this involve immense effort, due to the many logistical arrangements and mountains of paperwork. Rest assured, we’re still working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure Gordo and Florencia make their way to our sanctuary as soon as possible. 

In the meantime, both bears receive the best care we can give them under the current circumstances, including adaption of diet, enrichment activities and crate training. Nevertheless, their current keeping conditions are still considered substandard husbandry. Therefore, the need to relocate them to a sanctuary with species-appropriate care is pressing. Our team is working hard around the clock to prepare the bears for this urgent rescue. We can’t wait to see them flourish in their new home at BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa in Bulgaria.

We’re delighted to share that both bears have now successfully and safely arrived in Bulgaria, leaving behind their former lives at the former Zoo Luján in Argentina. After landing in Sofia, the FOUR PAWS team was already waiting to welcome them! Besides Dr Amir Khalil, who accompanied the bears directly, and Dr Marina Ivanova, who also traveled to Bulgaria, members of the board, Josef Pfabigan (CEO) and Luciana D’Abramo (CPO) also made the journey to welcome the bears and celebrate this huge step!  

Once it was ensured the animals were healthy and ready for the final step of the trip, the bears and the team left for their new home at our BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa.

Both bears spent most of their lives in conditions that could never meet their needs. Confined and without meaningful stimulation, they were denied the chance to truly live as bears. That changes now! Both bears are now kept in individual quarantine enclosures with indoor and outdoor access, but will stay indoors for the next two days to properly adapt to the new environment and climate. After their initial quarantine period, they will get the chance to explore spacious natural enclosures, breathe in the mountain air, and – soon – properly experience nature for the very first time.

Now, at last, they will enjoy a proper bear life in a species-appropriate sanctuary with dedicated caretakers, and we couldn’t be more excited for them.