On Wednesday 20 March, 2024, International Animal Rescue (IAR) and their colleagues at the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) in Armenia, are pleased to celebrate World Bear Day on March 23rd by sharing a heartwarming glimpse into the lives of rescued bears.
At the sanctuary in Urtsadzor, a brown bear affectionately known as the ‘Tyred’ bear was captured in a heartwarming photo emerging from hibernation and using a tire as a pillow for a nap. This charming image showcases the resilience and adaptability of bears who have been rescued from distressing circumstances.
With the joint efforts of IAR and FPWC, the Urtsadzor sanctuary is currently home to 29 rescued bears, each with their own unique story of survival and recovery. These bears were previously held in cramped cages at restaurants and other public venues, where they were exploited as tourist attractions. The conditions they were kept in were often appalling, prompting the urgent intervention of IAR and FPWC to rescue and rehabilitate these beautiful and majestic animals.
Despite ongoing efforts, there are still approximately 50 bears awaiting rescue from similar conditions. However, the dedication and commitment of IAR and FPWC have made significant progress in providing these bears with the care and freedom they deserve.
Once at the sanctuary, the bears slowly return to their natural behaviors, including hibernating during the winter months when food is scarce. In a surprise turn of events, a rescued female bear emerged from hibernation with two tiny cubs by her side. Through careful monitoring and support, these cubs were successfully reintroduced into the wild, contributing to the conservation efforts of Armenian bear populations.
Gavin Bruce, CEO of International Animal Rescue, stated, “World Bear Day serves as a reminder of the challenges that bears worldwide still face, particularly those exploited for entertainment purposes. The ‘Tyred’ bear’s photo showcases the bear’s capacity for joy, even after suffering and years of captivity. At IAR, we are dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating bears, providing them with a safe haven to live out their remaining years in comfort, free from exploitation, pain, or suffering.”
To learn more about International Animal Rescue’s efforts to protect bears and other wildlife and their ongoing conservation work, please visit their website at https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org.
Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/
