Armenian Bear Family Rescued from Captivity in Backyard Through Great Bear Rescue Efforts

“Armenian Bears Rescued After Years of Suffering, International Animal Rescue Launches Urgent Appeal for Support”

Yerevan, Armenia – Three Syrian brown bears, known as Aram, Nairi, and their daughter Lola, have recently been rescued from a backyard in Yerevan, Armenia after years of unimaginable suffering. The bears were found confined to filthy cages and denied even the most basic care during an investigation by the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) following a public tip-off.

Thanks to the joint efforts of FPWC and International Animal Rescue (IAR), the bears were able to secure their freedom. However, the rescue was described by IAR as their “most difficult rescue to date”, taking over 12 hours to complete. The rescue involved a court-ordered confiscation, police intervention, and transport under heavy rain and darkness.

According to IAR, the male bear, Aram, had been held captive for 12 years and repeatedly bred with Nairi, a female taken from the wild. Their young daughter, Lola, was still imprisoned with them, while their previous cubs had been taken and sold.

The rescue mission began when the team arrived at the property at 9 am, but the owner refused entry despite a legal order. After a prolonged standoff, they were finally able to gain access as night fell and worked tirelessly to sedate and remove the bears from their appalling conditions.

Alan Knight OBE, President of International Animal Rescue, who was present during the rescue, stated, “These were some of the worst conditions I have ever seen. The stench, the filth, the sheer cruelty of locking these animals up in tiny cages and feeding them cola, it was absolutely horrific.”

Now safe at FPWC’s wildlife rescue center in Urtsadzor, which is supported by IAR, the bears are receiving urgent veterinary care. Aram suffers from broken and infected teeth, likely caused by years of poor diet and neglect. All three bears are currently in quarantine and under close observation.

In order to continue providing care for these three rescued bears and to complete a new sanctuary where Aram, Nairi, Lola, and their previously rescued son Noah can live safely together, International Animal Rescue has launched an urgent appeal for support. The cost of caring for one bear is estimated to be over £7,500 per year, and with three bears, the annual care alone exceeds £22,500. This does not include the significant costs of veterinary care and the rescue mission itself.

Thanks to two generous donors, all donations made to the appeal will be matched, effectively doubling every pound raised. To donate and support the urgent care and future home for these bears, please visit https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/appeal/bearfamily.

Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/