International Animal Rescue (IAR) and their partners, the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) in Armenia, are proud to celebrate World Bear Day on March 23rd by sharing a heartwarming glimpse into the lives of rescued bears at their sanctuary in Urtsadzor.
In a touching photo captured at the sanctuary, a brown bear affectionately nicknamed the ‘Tyred’ bear can be seen emerging from hibernation and using a tyre as a pillow for a nap. This heartwarming image is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of bears rescued from distressing circumstances.
Currently, the Urtsadzor sanctuary is home to 29 rescued bears, each with their own unique story of survival and recovery. These bears were previously kept in cramped cages at restaurants and other public venues, where they were exploited as tourist attractions. The conditions they were kept in were often shocking, prompting IAR and FPWC to intervene and provide these beautiful animals with a safe and nurturing environment.
Despite ongoing efforts, there are still approximately 50 bears in Armenia awaiting rescue from similar conditions. However, through the diligent work of IAR and FPWC, significant progress has been made in providing these bears with the care and freedom they deserve.
At the sanctuary, the bears are able to return to their natural behaviors, including hibernating during the winter months when food is scarce. In a surprising turn of events, one female bear emerged from hibernation with two tiny cubs by her side. With careful monitoring and support, these cubs have since been successfully reintroduced into the wild, contributing to the conservation efforts for Armenian bear populations.
Gavin Bruce, CEO of International Animal Rescue, stated, “World Bear Day serves as a reminder of the challenges that still exist for bears worldwide, particularly those being exploited for entertainment purposes. The ‘Tyred’ bear’s photo showcases the bear’s capacity for happiness, even after enduring years of captivity and suffering. At IAR, we are dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating bears, providing them with a safe haven to live out their remaining years without exploitation, pain, or suffering.”
For more information on International Animal Rescue’s work to protect bears and other wildlife, and their ongoing conservation efforts, please visit their website at https://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.