The Great Bear Rescue
Across Armenia beautiful brown bears are being locked up in small, squalid cages, surviving on scraps and filthy, stagnant water.
PROJECT SUMMARY
Syrian brown bears have endured years of neglect, malnutrition and abuse. Many of them are held illegally in small cages, often outside restaurants, roadside attractions, or private homes, used for entertainment or simply kept as exotic pets. The bears suffer severe physical and psychological trauma, including broken teeth, damaged paws from walking on concrete, and behavioural signs of distress.
In 2017, in partnership with FPWC, we launched The Great Bear Rescue to save them. For those that are able to fend for themselves, we carry out extensive rehabilitation and release them back to the wild. For those that can't, our sanctuaries provide a safe, spacious and permanent home.
Local Partner: FPWC
In 2017, in partnership with FPWC, we launched The Great Bear Rescue to save them. For those that are able to fend for themselves, we carry out extensive rehabilitation and release them back to the wild. For those that can't, our sanctuaries provide a safe, spacious and permanent home.
The Full Story
The Wildlife Rescue Centre in Urtsadzor, Armenia, officially opened on 15 December 2017. Nestled within the 20,000-hectare Caucasus Wildlife Refuge, the centre is specially designed to meet the needs of rescued bears. It features outdoor enclosures with bathing pools, underground dens, quarantine facilities, and a fully equipped veterinary clinic. Surveillance cameras provide constant monitoring, ensuring the animals’ safety and wellbeing.
In 2025, we started building a second sanctuary in Ushi, which is high in the mountains and has the ideal temperature for bears hibernating over winter. Once finished, it will provide even more space for bears who urgently need rescuing.
WATCH THEM HEAL!
When bears arrive at the sanctuary, they often show signs of severe psychological trauma caused by captivity, including repetitive pacing and circling. Following an initial quarantine period, each bear begins a carefully structured rehabilitation programme designed to support their recovery.
From expert veterinary care to treat aches, injuries and wounds, to environmental enrichment that encourages natural behaviours and keeps their minds stimulated, every aspect of their care is designed to support their health and wellbeing.
Help us Rescue Armenia's Caged Bears
From expert veterinary care to treat aches, injuries and wounds, to environmental enrichment that encourages natural behaviours and keeps their minds stimulated, every aspect of their care is designed to support their health and wellbeing.
Ending suffering for caged bears
Acres of land to roam 
Environmental enrichment 
Dedicated bear cub facility Project Impact
For every cage prized open, every paw that sets foot on soft soil for the first time – this is what your support helps achieve.
-
0 yrs
average life span
Syrian Brown Bears live for around 25 years in the wild.
-
0
Captive Armenian bears rescued
Over 50 brown bears rescued from barren cages and given sanctuary.
-
0 cm
Length of Syrian Brown Bear
Syrian Brown Bears can grow to up to 140cm in length
Related projects
Success Story – Meet Max
After 14 years in a tiny cage at a bus depot, Max was so big it took ten men to carry him to freedom.
Species – Brown Bear
Armenia’s wild bears are Syrian brown bears that live in mountain forests. Sadly many are held prisoner in barren man-made cages.