Latvian authorities want to auction two bears; if unsuccessful, they will be euthanized 0 19

The auction was announced on December 12, with a starting price of 1,700 euros and a bidding increment of 50 euros. Applications are accepted until December 22, the auction will conclude on January 5, and the payment deadline for the winning amount is set for January 12.

Concern about the auction is expressed by the owner of the mini-zoo "Raptors Park," Alexander Kalachov, who has spread a call for donations so that the bears can remain in the mini-zoo.

"Friends, we really need your help. Two years ago, two brown bears arrived at 'Raptors Park' — our bears Gummi. We saved them from death, raised them, and took responsibility for their lives. From the very beginning, we closely collaborated with the Nature Conservation Agency, understanding that wild animals legally belong to the state. We were officially appointed as their guardians, and we have done and continue to do everything possible to ensure their well-being and safety," writes A. Kalachov.

The mini-zoo owner does not hide that over the two years, the bears have grown and need a more spacious enclosure.

"The bears grew quickly, and it became clear that they needed a large, safe, and modern enclosure. Despite the uncertainty of their future, we started construction. Together with guests and friends of the zoo, investing all available funds, we are now almost finished. According to my calculations, more than 40,000 euros have already been invested," describes the situation the bears' guardian A. Kalachov.

A. Kalachov emphasizes that "at the most inopportune moment — in the off-season, when the zoo has no available funds — the legal owner of the bears announced an auction for ownership of them. The starting price is 2,070 euros with a 50-euro increment. The auction will end on January 5, 2026. No one knows the final price."

In his appeal, A. Kalachov underscores that "'Raptors Park' is not a temporary place for the bears Gummi. This is their home. They grew up here and feel safe. And now, when the enclosure is almost ready, the thought of their departure is especially heavy."

A. Kalachov appeals to the friends of the mini-zoo, its guests, and simply concerned people across Latvia to donate funds to buy the bears and keep them in 'Raptors Park' in Demene:

"The bears do not understand auctions, laws, or formalities. They only know where they are fed, where they are safe, and where they are loved. Even a small donation is important. Every euro is a step towards ensuring that the bears Gummi have a permanent home and avoid another stressful move."

The Nature Conservation Agency (NCA) published a clarification in response to the mini-zoo's widespread statement explaining why the auction is being held: "The specific bears were illegally removed from the wild as cubs and then brought to their current place of captivity. An investigation was conducted regarding this fact, and the animals were left in the custody of the zoo LLC 'Raptors Park' as material evidence. After the criminal proceedings were completed, the animals became state property as unclaimed property, and in accordance with current legislation, the responsible state institution — in this case, the Nature Conservation Agency — conducts an auction so that these bears can be acquired by one of the animal care organizations with appropriate conditions.

Given the contribution of LLC 'Raptors Park' to the care of the bears up to this point, the Nature Conservation Agency has decided that the bears will be housed free of charge in this zoo and available for visitors to see, however, they are prohibited from being sold or bred (sterilization is required).

Since LLC 'Raptors Park' contested this decision, the only possible solution during the review of the complaint was the alienation of the animals. Accordingly, the Nature Conservation Agency organizes the auction. LLC 'Raptors Park' also has the right to participate in this auction and thus acquire the animals as property."

Information is circulating on the social network X: "If no one buys the bears at the auction, they will be euthanized."