Long-time supporter and patron of International Animal Rescue, actor Peter Egan, has presented our very first BBC Radio 4 Appeal, sharing the story of Retta and highlighting the plight of bears in Armenia.
In the appeal, Peter recounted the emotional rescue of Retta, who had spent most of her life confined to a small, filthy cage beside a tourist resort. She was subjected to selfies with visitors and fed junk food through the bars. Peter witnessed her rescue first-hand when he travelled to Armenia alongside our president, Alan Knight OBE.
Working with our Armenian partner, FPWC, and local authorities, our team negotiated a daring rescue and secured Retta’s immediate transport to safety at the bear rescue centre in Urtsadzor. Peter witnessed every heart-stopping moment as Retta was freed from her cage and began her journey towards a better life.
Today, Retta’s life has been transformed. She can roam freely around the sanctuary, splash in pools and feel the warm earth beneath her paws. Finally, her life is one worth living – and it’s all thanks to people like you who support this life-changing work.
Retta is one of the many Syrian brown bears rescued in Armenia through International Animal Rescue’s Great Bear Rescue. Since launching the campaign with FPWC in 2017, we have worked to rescue bears from appalling conditions and give them the expert veterinary care, rehabilitation and long-term protection they need.
The BBC Radio 4 Appeal featuring Peter Egan is now available to listen to on BBC Sounds. Find out more about this very special appeal here: Retta’s Rescue – BBC Radio 4 Charity Appeal | International Animal Rescue