Bear Who Grew Up in a Tiny Cage to Entertain Restaurant Guests Is Now Free and Hibernating Again (Exclusive)

**Rescue Bear Hope Competes in FOUR PAWS’ March Napness**

Hope, a brown bear with a traumatic past, is set to compete in FOUR PAWS’ annual March Napness competition, which aims to celebrate the recovery of rescued bears. Born in 2012, Hope’s early life was marred by hardship after she was taken from the wild as a cub, confined to a small cage outside a restaurant in Kosovo. This grim chapter in her life came to an end in May 2013 when she was rescued and brought to the BEAR SANCTUARY Prishtina, a haven for bears that have suffered similar fates.

At the sanctuary, Hope has flourished in an environment designed to replicate her natural habitat. She now resides in a spacious enclosure that features multiple dens, a forested area, and ponds. Alongside her, she shares the enclosure with Tomi, another bear rescued from a life in captivity, creating a unique bond that enriches both their lives.

Over the past decade, Hope has undergone a remarkable transformation. Her rehabilitation has been aided by the sanctuary staff, who have worked diligently to help her regain her confidence and relearn behaviours consistent with her species, including the important instinct of hibernation. Now, as she prepares for her first competition in March Napness, her caretakers are excited to showcase her newfound skills.

The March Napness competition is inspired by the collegiate basketball tournament known as March Madness. Instead of selecting basketball teams, animal lovers fill out brackets featuring various rescue bears, guessing which ones will sleep the longest during their hibernation period. For 2026, a total of 22 rescue bears from six FOUR PAWS partnership sanctuaries are participating in this unique event, with Hope being the anticipated “Rookie of the Year.”

Afrim Mahmuti, the sanctuary manager, expressed pride in Hope’s progress, stating, “Hope deserves to be part of this competition, and I really hope she wins it too.” He believes that her credentials, including her quality den and the tranquil environment, place her in a strong position to succeed in the competition. The sanctuary team is dedicated to ensuring that she remains undisturbed during her hibernation.

Each bear competing in March Napness is a testament to resilience, having been rescued from neglectful and inhumane conditions. The fact that they are hibernating indicates not only their good health but also that they are comfortable in their surroundings, living life closer to what nature intended. A bear in hibernation reflects a successful rehabilitation, showcasing the efforts of organisations like FOUR PAWS.

Reflecting on Hope’s past, Mahmuti shared his harrowing experience visiting her when she was still confined to that small cage. He described the sight of her as ‘devastating’, noting that her fear and despair were palpable. It has taken substantial time and care for Hope to transition from the “physically weak and emotionally overwhelmed” animal she once was into the confident bear she is today.

The positive changes in Hope’s mental and physical health have been particularly heartening for her caretakers. Albana Hoti, who oversees animal and facility management at the sanctuary, shares her delight in observing Hope’s improvement. “Today, seeing her so confident and motivated is the most amazing part of looking after her,” she said.

Hope’s companionship with Tomi has further enriched her life since the two bears began sharing their enclosure in 2017. Their playful interactions add an extra dimension to their experience at the sanctuary. According to Hoti, their favourite time is the late afternoon when they are often seen playing and rolling together as the sun sets.

As March Napness gets underway, animal lovers are being encouraged to follow Hope’s journey and build their own brackets by visiting the FOUR PAWS website. This engaging competition not only highlights the recovery of individual bears like Hope but also raises awareness of the broader plight of animals in captivity, championing the work being done by dedicated rescue organisations. There is hope yet for many bears who need a second chance at life.