An orphan brown bear cub, named Zoe, has shown bravery and won the battle for her life. Little Zoe, which was found last April wandering alone near the village of Avghi in northwestern Greece, will soon be transferred to a large fenced forest area.
The brown bear was being taken care of by Arcturos, the Greek non-government organization seeking to enhance biodiversity and sustainability in the rural areas of Greece, and to protect endangered species focusing on bears and large mammals. Arcturos announced that the place which will host the bear is ready and Zoe has been prepared for the upcoming procedure, eating fruit, nuts, leaves and chicory.
Panos Stefanou, member of Arcturos, said that Zoe has escaped danger. The bear cub is currently weighting more than 10 kg and is very happy and playful.
Stefanou added that at the end of the year “a lair will be constructed in the forest for Zoe to hibernate and when she wakes up in spring she will be free in the natural environment.”
The population of brown bears in Greece is estimated at 350-400. The brown bear (Ursus arctos) is protected under Greek law as an endangered species. The main threats to the brown bear in Greece are its intentional or accidental killing, its habitat fragmentation, as well as the wide use of poisoned baits.
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