The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) continues to implement rescue programs. At the invitation of Zhanna Hayrapetyan, the daughter of the late businessman Levon Hayrapetyan, FPWC implemented a program to transport wild animals from Artsakh.

In particular, the foundation transferred six bears to the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, and the care of one lynx was transferred to the Yerevan Zoo.

The event took place in the area of ​​a zoo in the village of Vank, Artsakh, which belongs to the Hayrapetyans.

“Another important mission became a reality. As an associated member of EAZA, the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets has created conditions for animals that meet all norms and standards to ensure the well-being of the animals. I want to add that the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets will further assist the Hayrapetyan family in establishing a trained animal therapy center for children with special needs. The program is implemented in cooperation with International Animal Rescue. We are glad that the organization is always by our side, supporting the implementation of our programs”-director of FPWC Ruben Khachatryan noted.

“This is the biggest bear rescue mission our partners at FPWC have accomplished so far with IAR’s support. Any rescue operation that involves anesthetizing captive wild animals requires meticulous planning and execution to ensure the safety and welfare of animals and people. The translocation appears to have gone like clockwork. Congratulations to Ruben Khachatryan and the FPWC team on a job well done. Now we must turn our attention to caring for the bears, providing them with nutritious food and veterinary treatment to improve their health and give them the lives they deserve”,- President of IAR Alan Knight noted.

Different Researches show that in Armenia nearly 50 bears are illegally kept in private areas including restaurants, gas-petrol stations, and yards.

In October 2017 Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) launched a massive bear rescue program.

FPWC is the only organization in Armenia possessing  all the means for transportation, medical assistance, and further care providence to rescued bears.

FPWC corporates with the Ministry of Nature Protection of the RA, Environmental Protection Inspection Body, Ministry of Emergency Situations, and police.

At this moment, 35 bears have been rescued and  moved to enclosures.

The aim of the Bear rescue program is to encourage “green” thinking in Armenia, to form respect toward wild animal species, and eradicate vicious traditions to keep wild animals.