1998. Outside a hotel near the Bran Castle, in a dirty cage with metal bars and cement floor lays Maya, who has been waiting for days for someone from the restaurant to bring her some food. When I first saw her, she was weak and could barely lift her head; forgotten by everybody, was she waiting to die? I still remember the emotions that welled up inside me as I looked into her eyes, but also a boundless rage against the people who could condemn such an animal to a slow and painful death like this.
For 4 years, my husband and I (with the help of our friends) traveled over 100 miles each day to feed Maya and to spend time with her. Over time, we were able to improve her health and lift her spirits; we gave her good food, vitamins, and installed a tire hanging from a chain that she could play with. Soon she began to recognise the sound of our car and would stand up to greet us when we arrived. She taught us all the value of the soul and the gratitude of an innocent animal.
Sadly, in 2001 Maya began to show new signs of depression. I was talking to her continually, and I promised her that one day she will be free again to run through the woods and I asked her to be patient, to wait. But it seems that Maya finally lost her faith in the promises of men.
She began to self-harm, chewing her right paw almost down to the bone. When I saw the blood on her paw, I understood that she wanted out from all this suffering. Despite all of our efforts to save her, even operations which she endured, Maya finally left us on March 11, 2002. She died in my arms. I will never forget her sad eyes and her soft fur. Yes, I was holding a bear in my arms!
I thank my friends, Dr. Liviu Harbuz and Dr. Monika Koller, both wonderful vets, who were with me in those difficult times and tried to save Maya.
After she was gone, all that I could do for Maya was to keep my promise – namely, to create the sanctuary that I had promised her, to make sure that no other bears would ever have to go through what Maya endured. The “Libearty Sanctuary is dedicated to Maya, who shines in the Big Dipper on star-filled nights for those of us who have not forgotten, and for all the bears who enjoy a happier fate today because of her suffering. Please remember Maya.
