On Wednesday, June 11th, 2025, the International Animal Rescue (IAR) announced that their expert dental team had traveled to Armenia to provide life-changing dental surgery for two bears that were recently rescued from harrowing captivity. The bears, named Noah and Aram, had suffered for years due to being confined in cages and fed a diet of junk food.
The IAR, in partnership with the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), brought in their top veterinary dentists from the UK to treat the two bears. The dentists, Paul Cassar and Gerhard Putter, have previously treated a variety of wild animals, including lions, tigers, bears, and orangutans.
The condition of the bears’ teeth upon rescue told a tragic story. Years of biting metal cage bars in desperation had left their teeth broken, decaying, and their gums swollen and infected. The bears were also seen in videos being fed fizzy drinks, which can further contribute to dental disease and other health complications.
According to IAR President Alan Knight OBE, untreated dental disease can cause chronic pain, infection, and severe health issues for bears. He stated, “No animal should have to endure this level of suffering.” Knight was present during the surgery and expressed his pride in the team’s work.
The surgeries, which took place last week, were both urgent and extensive. Noah, who had already endured years of suffering, required a four-hour surgery to extract two teeth. One of his teeth was split down its entire length, allowing infection to spread into his jawbone. The other was a large and rotten incisor that had to be removed due to advanced decay.
Aram, a massive 240kg bear, also underwent a four-hour surgery to have a root canal and two molars removed. The day after the surgeries, both bears were reported to be recovering well and eating, a clear sign of relief from the chronic pain they had been living with.
Knight stated, “This isn’t the first time we’ve carried out dental surgery on a bear in Armenia, and sadly, it won’t be the last.” He believes that there are still approximately 50 caged bears in Armenia that need urgent help.
The surgeries mark a significant step in giving Noah and Aram a new life free from pain, but their recovery, care, and future depend on ongoing support. The IAR is appealing to the public to donate and help provide the specialist care that these bears and other rescued animals desperately need. Donations can be made at www.internationalanimalrescue.org.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.