What happened to the bears Max and Minnie?

Max and Minnie, a Siberian bear and a Syrian bear, were rescued from "deplorable conditions" in Armenia in 2018 by a UK-based charity and are now living in a bear sanctuary, where they are healthy, playful, and "seizing a second chance to enjoy life to the full" after years of cruelty and neglect.

Which charity rescued the bears from Armenia?

The rescue operation was carried out by International Animal Rescue (IAR), a charity based in Uckfield, East Sussex, in collaboration with the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets in Armenia.

Home / Environment / Rescued Bears Flourish in Armenian Sanctuary After Years of Neglect

Rescued Bears Flourish in Armenian Sanctuary After Years of Neglect

22 Oct

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Summary

Two bears rescued from "deplorable conditions" in Armenia
Bears now living in a bear sanctuary, enjoying life to the full
Rescue operation carried out by UK-based charity in 2018

Rescued Bears Flourish in Armenian Sanctuary After Years of Neglect

Two years ago, in 2023, a UK-based charity called International Animal Rescue (IAR) and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets in Armenia collaborated to rescue two bears from "deplorable conditions" in Armenia. The rescued bears, a giant Siberian bear named Max and a Syrian bear named Minnie, had been living in a bus depot, used for the entertainment of travelers, until they were saved.

According to IAR's president, Alan Knight, it is "heart-warming" to see how healthy and playful Max and Minnie have become since being rescued. Knight added that the bears are "seizing a second chance to enjoy life to the full" after years of cruelty and neglect. The rescue operation was a significant achievement, transforming the lives of these two bears and providing them with a safe and nurturing environment in an Armenian bear sanctuary.