Brown bear rescued after eight-year campaign in Armenia

A brown bear has been rescued from a hotel complex in Hankavan, Armenia, following an eight-year campaign by animal rights activists. The bear is now receiving care at the FPWC Wildlife Rescue Center (WRC).

According to Armenia’s Ministry of Environment, the animal is currently under quarantine before being moved to a large open enclosure. It is receiving full veterinary care and rehabilitation therapy to recover from years of poor captivity conditions.

Public concern over the bear’s treatment dates back to 2017. The successful rescue operation was carried out in 2025 through joint efforts by FPWC, international partner IAR and Armenian government agencies, including the Ministry of Environment and its Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body.