In the heart of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, some Syrian brown bears lived in inhumane conditions, locked in courtyards, basements and even workshops. A mother with a puppy and an overweight, malnourished adult male were confined to makeshift cages made of metal and wire, surrounded by rotten food and waste. The lack of veterinary care and signs of physical abuse made clear their long period of suffering and deprivation.
The practices of keeping wild bears in captivity increased in Armenia in the 1990s, during the post-Soviet economic chaos, when the animals were captured as a symbol of prestige or tourist attraction. Although Armenian law prohibits detention without permission, enforcement has long been ineffective. Since then, the situation has improved thanks to the efforts of the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), which has rescued around 30 bears from restaurants, hotels, stations and private homes.
The recovery path of rehabilitation centers
The released bears are transferred to rehabilitation centers, such as the one near Urtsadzor, about an hour from Yerevan. Here they receive veterinary care, balanced nutrition and activities to stimulate natural behavior, such as playing and searching for food. Some young people, if socialized in moderation, can be reintroduced to remote national parks, while long-abused adults often remain in safe facilities, where they gradually learn to reduce compulsive behaviors.
Rescue operations are complex and require international collaboration. The case of Max and Minnie, two bears rescued from a bus station, saw vets from Armenia, Iran and the UK coordinate their transport and rehoming. Max, a 500 kg male, traveled on a horse trailer, while Minnie on a crate with straw. Now they both enjoy open spaces and natural routines, where they are preparing for winter hibernation for the first time in life.
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The main challenge is raising awareness
Despite progress, the main challenge remains cultural change. Many citizens do not perceive animal welfare as a priority and laws require greater resources and controls. With the upcoming COP17 in Armenia, the government and NGOs aim to demonstrate a more ethical approach to wildlife, but it is clear that long-term protection requires adequate structures and changes in public perception. The new, larger Ushi center represents a step towards solving these problems, offering shelter to rescued bears and raising awareness of the importance of not treating endangered animals as entertainment.
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