Two brown bears rescued from Russia are recovering at Wild Ireland in County Donegal, Ireland. Bears Bu and Tyapa now have woodland to explore and little houses where they can rest.
Their move followed a five-year effort involving people in several countries. Wild Ireland’s founder, Killian McLaughlin, first learned about the bears in 2021. They were living in unsuitable conditions at a small cat and dog sanctuary in Dagestan, a republic within Russia.
Tyapa came from a petting zoo and Bu was forced by humans to perform in circuses.
The wildlife park said the bears, who arrived in August, have now entered their forest habitat after health checks and quarantine. Their physical health has improved.
According to the care team, both bears gained weight. Blood tests also showed that their kidneys were working normally after treatment and regular access to water.
The open spaces, moving trees and deep water can still frighten the bears. Staff allow them to explore at their own pace. They can return to their houses or move into woodland away from visitors.
Timeline of Bu and Tyapa’s rescue
2021
Wild Ireland founder Killian McLaughlin first learns about the two brown bears living in unsuitable conditions at the Right to Life dog/cat sanctuary in Dagestan, Russia. Contact between the sanctuary and Wild Ireland came through the Dutch charity Bears in Mind. McLaughlin commits to bringing them to Ireland.
2022
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine blocks the original planned overland transport route through Ukraine and Europe. Sanctions and transport restrictions cause further long delays.
2025
Tiger House sanctuary near St Petersburg, run by Dima and Yana Kim, agrees to help with veterinary care, quarantine, and temporary housing. of the bears. In October, they drive to Dagestan to help the bears.
The bears are cut out of their cages, sedated, and transported to Tiger House. They receive medical treatment (including for malnutrition, dehydration-related kidney issues, and trauma) and begin quarantine.
2026
Escalating conflict in the Middle East causes airspace closures and flight disruptions, delaying a transport route. In June, Etihad Cargo agrees to fly the bears to Ireland (Moscow → Abu Dhabi → Dublin).
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: theanimalreader.com
