Save the Rescued Wildlife of Dâmbovița: Stop Institutional Trauma and Demand Adequate Care
The Issue
We, the undersigned citizens and global animal welfare advocates, submit this urgent appeal regarding the critical situation of the wild animals (lions, a tiger, bears, and mouflons) seized by Romanian authorities in late August from Picior de Munte, Dragodana, Dâmbovița County.
While we recognize and respect the necessity of official judicial and administrative investigations, a prolonged legal process can never justify subjecting wild animals to chronic stress, confinement in substandard conditions, or psychological trauma.
For almost 20 years, these animals, originally rescued from life-threatening situations abroad, were cared for under the framework of the International Wildlife Foundation (IWF). They resided in an environment specifically tailored to their biological and behavioral needs, featuring multi-level winter shelters, heated flooring, a private lake, and controlled freedom of movement. Their sudden seizure in late August and subsequent transfer to restrictive temporary facilities without a comprehensive psychological and physical assessment poses a direct threat to their lives and risks causing irreversible harm (including severe apathy and stereotypical behaviors).
Therefore, we officially demand the immediate implementation of the following measures:
1. Independent Medical & Behavioral Assessment: An immediate, comprehensive evaluation of all animals seized from Picior de Munte, conducted by an independent panel of veterinary specialists in wild feline and large mammal care.
2. Immediate Optimization of Living Conditions & Temporary Relocation: Provision of adequate housing during the ongoing investigation, including evaluating the option of temporarily returning the animals to their original custom sanctuary (or a facility of equal or superior standard) under strict official oversight, to prevent health degradation caused by administrative delays.
3. Institutional Transparency & Accountability: Full public disclosure regarding the current exact locations of all seized animals, their health status, and the specific entities held directly accountable for their long-term care and well-being.
4
The Issue
We, the undersigned citizens and global animal welfare advocates, submit this urgent appeal regarding the critical situation of the wild animals (lions, a tiger, bears, and mouflons) seized by Romanian authorities in late August from Picior de Munte, Dragodana, Dâmbovița County.
While we recognize and respect the necessity of official judicial and administrative investigations, a prolonged legal process can never justify subjecting wild animals to chronic stress, confinement in substandard conditions, or psychological trauma.
For almost 20 years, these animals, originally rescued from life-threatening situations abroad, were cared for under the framework of the International Wildlife Foundation (IWF). They resided in an environment specifically tailored to their biological and behavioral needs, featuring multi-level winter shelters, heated flooring, a private lake, and controlled freedom of movement. Their sudden seizure in late August and subsequent transfer to restrictive temporary facilities without a comprehensive psychological and physical assessment poses a direct threat to their lives and risks causing irreversible harm (including severe apathy and stereotypical behaviors).
Therefore, we officially demand the immediate implementation of the following measures:
1. Independent Medical & Behavioral Assessment: An immediate, comprehensive evaluation of all animals seized from Picior de Munte, conducted by an independent panel of veterinary specialists in wild feline and large mammal care.
2. Immediate Optimization of Living Conditions & Temporary Relocation: Provision of adequate housing during the ongoing investigation, including evaluating the option of temporarily returning the animals to their original custom sanctuary (or a facility of equal or superior standard) under strict official oversight, to prevent health degradation caused by administrative delays.
3. Institutional Transparency & Accountability: Full public disclosure regarding the current exact locations of all seized animals, their health status, and the specific entities held directly accountable for their long-term care and well-being.
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Petition created on October 29, 2026