More than 30 years ago, a bear cub named Fifi arrived at a Pennsylvania roadside zoo.
For years, she and other bears were forced to perform confusing tricks, like standing on their hind legs. After the roadside zoo closed its doors more than 20 years ago, Fifi languished in a tiny, rusty cage that contain nothing more than a dilapidated doghouse for shelter.
Fifi was thin, her coat was dull and dirty, and she suffered from pain, untreated arthritis. Every step was a struggle.
In July 2015, PETA and The Wild Animal Sanctuary rescued her. She was transported to the Colorado facility, where she finally had the care and the vast habitat that she deserved.
After just five months at the sanctuary, Fifi’s body finally matches are big and beautiful personality. She is healthy, her coat is full, and her legs are getting stronger every day. And this year, for the first time in her long life, she is hibernating in her new, comfy den.