FPWC Responds to the Recently Circulated Video of Captive Brown Bears by Civil Society Representatives

© Roger Allen

Transfer of Bears from Gyumri Zoo to Yerevan Zoo

As early as 2015, a research study conducted by the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) published data on the illegal keeping of wild animals in captivity in the Republic of Armenia, including Red Book-listed Caucasian brown bears (Assessment of Wildlife Trade in Armenia, FPWC/FFI 2015/2016, p. 26).

Considering that the study covered only four regions (including Yerevan), as well as available unofficial data, the Foundation estimates that between 60 and 80 brown bears are illegally kept in captivity or semi-captivity across the country.

It should be noted that keeping wild animals in conditions that do not correspond to their biological needs leads to physiological disorders (especially during growth and development), psychological trauma, aggressive behavior, and partial or complete loss of natural instincts. As a result, it becomes impossible to fully rehabilitate these animals and reintegrate them into their natural habitat.

Moreover, according to the Law of the Republic of Armenia “On Fauna,” the illegal keeping of wild animals in captivity is prohibited. In this case, the fact that brown bears are listed in the Red Book further aggravates the legal consequences arising from both national legislation and international conventions.

Years of experience in the field have shown that an effective solution to this issue requires a systematic state approach, including legislative reforms and the enforcement of punitive mechanisms.

At the beginning of 2016, after taking responsibility for rescuing animals from the private zoo in Gyumri and recognizing the clear gaps in legal regulation, the Foundation joined the advisory council under the RA Ministry of Environment. There, it proposed stricter regulation of the sector and the establishment of full state oversight. FPWC presented international best practices and submitted comprehensive proposals for amendments to the Law “On Fauna.”

The proposed amendments aimed to eliminate the illegal keeping of wild animals by the end of 2016 through:

• registration of wild animals,
• assessment of captive and semi-captive conditions (including diet and mandatory veterinary inspections under state supervision),
• regular inspections,
• increased fines for non-compliance (up to criminal liability),
• and the creation of mechanisms for animal confiscation.

The draft law also proposed state co-financing for the establishment of a Wildlife Rescue Center in Armenia, funded through fines, which would provide a long-term solution for the confiscation and care of animals.

The Foundation does not have information on the further progress of the draft amendments.

Currently, a quarantine station of the Wildlife Rescue Center is operating in the Ararat region, within the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge (CWR). It has been established with the support of the Foundation’s partners and private donations, as FPWC is a non-profit organization.

The authority to confiscate animals and impose fines in the cases shown in the video belongs to the Environmental Inspectorate of the RA Ministry of Environment, in accordance with the law.

The Foundation hereby expresses its readiness to support the animal confiscation process, provided that the law is fully enforced.

Bear Rescue Missions:

• Bear rescue operation in Artavan
• Bear rescue operation in Gomk
• Bear rescue operation in Tsaghkadzor