Love blooms at animal sanctuaries across the globe

In a heart-warming testament to resilience and companionship, the global animal welfare organisation Four Paws is playing matchmaker for its rescued animal residents. Much like the timeless Beatles anthem, “All you need is love,” animal couples are finding solace and connection in sanctuaries designed to rehabilitate them from a troubled past.

This touching initiative is exemplified at the Bear Sanctuary Prishtina in Kosovo, where two bears, Pashuk and Gjina, have forged a bond that radiates hope. After suffering years of cruelty in private captivity, both bears arrived at the sanctuary in October 2016. Pashuk was bound in chains that were embedded into his flesh, while Gjina was confined to a deteriorating cage at a restaurant in Albania, surviving on beer forced upon her by patrons. With the support of dedicated sanctuary teams and veterinarians, they underwent transformative rescue and rehabilitation.

“With Gjina and Pashuk, it was love at first sight,” recalled Albana Hoti, Head of Animal and Facility Management at Bear Sanctuary Prishtina. “They were homed in neighbouring enclosures and soon curiously started to sniff each other. Their socialisation went remarkably well, and they continue to enjoy playing together today,” said Hoti. “Their deep connection has become a symbol of the healing power of companionship, as they joyfully roll down hills and engage with one another—a far cry from their previous traumatic experiences,” he added.

Meanwhile, at the Felida Big Cat Sanctuary in the Netherlands, a burgeoning romance is being nurtured between lions Manuschka and Diego. After both having arrived at the sanctuary in late 2024, their cautious introductions have begun to evolve into an enchanting interaction characterised by curiosity and newfound closeness.

“They were very cautious at first, but that soon transformed into a desire for each other’s company,” said Juno van Zon, Head of Animal & Facility Management at Felida. “We hope their love story continues to blossom.” The team affectionately refers to the duo as "Mango", a fitting representation of their developing bond.

In South Africa, another love story was recently penned, as lions Nikola and Vasylyna, who were discovered 2,000 miles apart, now thrive as a couple under the African sun. Initially found separated yet suffering dire conditions in their youth, both lions were rehabilitated at the Felida Big Cat Sanctuary before transitioning to Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary in April 2024.

“Their relationship is still young, but they’ve overcome so much together,” said Hildegard Pirker, Sanctuary Manager at Lionsrock. “They deserve to spend their lives in each other’s company.”

As these love stories unfold, Four Paws exemplifies a commitment to improving animal welfare through socialisation, rehabilitation, and the nurturing of deep connections, ensuring that the rescued animals can finally enjoy the companionship they were always meant to have.