London, England – The festive season is upon us and with it comes messages of kindness and goodwill. One extraordinary tale of hope stands out among the rest. Meet Margaretta, also known as Retta, an ex-circus bear who spent years confined in a small cage, serving as a sad spectacle for visitors at a resort in Armenia. However, this Christmas, as Aladdin Pantos grant wishes across the UK, we are delighted to announce that Retta’s wish has also been granted. Her life has been transformed thanks to an extraordinary rescue mission by International Animal Rescue (IAR) and its Armenian partners, the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC). Retta now roams freely for the first time in her life, a living testament to the power of compassion and the spirit of giving.
Retta’s heartbreaking journey began in captivity, where she suffered from years of neglect and isolation. Her cage, no larger than a concrete closet, became her entire world. With no opportunity to explore, play, or feel the earth’s warmth beneath her paws, Retta’s life was a shadow of what it should have been.
But now, thanks to the efforts of IAR and FPWC, Retta has been rescued and given a new lease on life. After a daring rescue mission, she was transported to the safety of the International Animal Rescue and FPWC bear sanctuary. This was made possible through the hard work and collaboration of local authorities and the police, who navigated logistical challenges and harsh conditions to ensure Retta’s freedom.
Currently, Retta resides in the quarantine quarters of the bear sanctuary, where she can finally live as nature intended. Once her quarantine period ends after Christmas, she will be able to step onto soil for the first time, sniff the crisp air, and bask in the winter sunlight, experiences she never knew existed.
Alan Knight OBE, President of International Animal Rescue, reflects on the mission: “Rescuing Retta was a monumental effort, but seeing her rediscover her instincts and joy will be worth every second. Her resilience inspires us to keep fighting for animals like her, who desperately need a second chance at a life worth living.”
The timing of Retta’s rescue couldn’t be more fitting. As the world celebrates the release of Paddington in Peru, Retta’s story echoes the famous bear’s plea: “Please look after this bear.” This holiday season, Retta reminds us that acts of kindness, big or small, can create miracles.
International Animal Rescue invites you to read more inspiring stories or support their bears 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.