The BBC has featured FPWC's joint work with International Animal Rescue (IAR) through their  coverage of the recent bear rescue operation from Yerevan Armenia's horrible conditions. Our international recognition demonstrates  both the critical need and substantial effects of our mission to protect Armenia's wildlife and promote ethical conservation practices.

 FPWC and IAR successfully conducted a twelve-hour rescue mission on March 20,  2025 to free Aram Nairi and their daughter Lola who had spent years in small cages at  a residential backyard. The bears had endured long-term neglect. The male bear Aram suffered from multiple  tooth breakages and severe gum infections. The authorities had repeatedly bred Nairi after capturing her from  the wild before selling their offspring to unknown destinations.

The rescue team faced serious resistance. The property owner  refused to let them enter the property even though they presented a legal order. The team obtained access to  the property only after nightfall following multiple hours of negotiations. The rescue team sedated the bears before  moving them to FPWC's Wildlife Rescue Center in Urtsadzor where they receive veterinary care  and begin their rehabilitation process in suitable species-specific enclosures.

FPWC continues its mission to eliminate illegal  captivity because we want to provide dignity and safety and a future to Armenia's native species. We express  our deepest appreciation to the BBC for their efforts to spread awareness about this matter and to our supporters and  field teams and partners who enable this vital lifesaving work.

Read the full article on BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9vgknn87ydo