World Bear Day on the 23rd March is the perfect time to reflect on our work with bears, and one extraordinary tale of hope stands out. Back in 2024, we met Margaretta (Retta), who spent years confined in a tiny cage, serving as a sad spectacle for visitors at a tourist resort in Armenia. The tale was tragic and, as the photo clearly shows, heartbreaking for poor Retta.
But today, Retta’s life has been transformed. Retta’s traumatic journey began in captivity, where she suffered for many years of neglect and isolation. Her cage, a small 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.
This changed when we worked with our partners, FWPC, to launch a daring rescue to free Retta from her cage and transport her to safety. Working tirelessly with local authorities and the police; the team navigated logistical challenges to ensure Retta could begin a new chapter of life.
Two years on, Retta is now cared for and looked after in our bear sanctuary, where she can finally live as nature intended, enjoying a life 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 make it all worth it. Her resilience inspires us to keep fighting for animals like her, who desperately need a second chance at a life worth living.”
Sharing Retta’s story this World Bear Day couldn’t be more timely, as Paddington the musical celebrates award wins sweeping across the board, Retta’s story echoes this famous bear’s plea: “Please look after this bear.” Retta reminds us that acts of kindness, big or small, can create miracles. But our work and Retta’s journey doesn’t stop here. Retta will need daily care and support for the rest of her life, which is only possible because of our wonderful supporters.