Sam and Jamila

The two bears from Skopje Zoo

Sam and Jamila were taken in by Skopje Zoo in 2004 and both lived in isolation in concrete pits. In 2018, the two brown bears found a new home at the Arosa Bear Sanctuary where both were able to lead a species-appropriate life.

Facts

Sam
Jamila

Sam

Male brown bear
Born in 2004
Weight: late autumn 260kg / early summer 170kg
He was found in the wild as an orphaned cub and taken in by Skopje Zoo together with his sister Jamila
He lived alone in a concrete pit for the last 18 years
At the Arosa Bear Sanctuary since 20 May 2022

Jamila

Female brown bear
Born in 2004
Weight: Weight: late autumn 130kg / early summer 80kg
She was found in the wild as an orphaned cub and taken in by Skopje Zoo together with her brother Sam
She lived alone in a concrete pit for the last 18 years
At the Arosa Bear Sanctuary since 20 May 2022

History

2004

2004 – Taken in by Skopje Zoo

Sam and his sister Jamila were found in the wild as orphaned cubs and taken in by the Skopje Zoo for animal conservation. There both lived in isolation in monotonous concrete pits and received food throughout the year without the hibernation period that is typical for bears.

2004-2022

18 years at Skopje Zoo

Sam and Jamila spent a total of 18 years living in poor conditions at the Skopje Zoo. They lived separately from each other in dreary concrete pits. Both bears displayed behavioural disorders due to their poor living conditions.

May 2022

Released to Arosa

Skopje Zoo recognised that the bear unit was not suitable for the animals and reconstruction was not possible. So it was decided to transfer Sam and Jamila to a better location. The animal conservation organisation FOUR PAWS arranged the transport and brought the siblings to the Arosa Bear Sanctuary.

Transport

Sam and Jamila’s journey from Skopje to Arosa went smoothly. After their arrival on 20 May 2022, both bears initially retreated into their caves. Sam later carefully explored the indoor enclosure while Jamila observed the environment with uncertainty and also came out of the cave after some time. Both initially displayed behavioural problems, such as pacing in a small area and shaking their heads.

June 2022 - now

At the Arosa Bear Sanctuary

Sam and Jamila were hesitant when they arrived at the Arosa Bear Sanctuary and they looked for protection in their caves. Sam slowly got used to his freedom and Jamila explored the outdoor enclosure after one month. Both displayed behavioural problems at the start, but they made progress and gradually got used to their natural environment. The two brown bears carved out a new life for themselves at the Arosa Bear Sanctuary and made progress every day.

Useful information

Arrival

Arrival at Arosa Bear Sanctuary

The journey from Skopje to Arosa via Greece and Italy went smoothly. When Sam and Jamila left the transport box on the afternoon of 20 May 2022, they withdrew immediately into the cave. They remained under cover until late in the night, when they visited the inner enclosure for the first time and cautiously explored it.