On July 21, Deputy Minister of Environment of the Republic of Armenia, Khachik Hakobyan, paid a working visit to the Wildlife Rescue Center (WRC).

The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), in cooperation with International Animal Rescue, is implementing the three-year “80 Bears” campaign, aimed at rescuing 80 Caucasian brown bears that are illegally kept in captivity under unacceptable conditions.

During the visit, Khachik Hakobyan ознакомился with the construction works of the rehabilitation center for bears and met with representatives of FPWC’s partner organization, International Animal Rescue.

The Executive Director of International Animal Rescue, Alan Knight, stated:
“We want to be involved in the rescue of bears because there is a real need for it here. It is also important to involve the government in this process.”

Khachik Hakobyan noted that amendments to the RA Law “On Fauna” are being planned:
“Animals that are kept in poor and inadequate conditions will be subject to confiscation, and we will have the opportunity to place them in appropriate facilities. The new law also introduces financial mechanisms to address these issues.”

He added that stricter requirements will be imposed for keeping wild animals:
“It should no longer be possible for individuals to keep wild animals at home or in private entertainment venues at their own discretion. Even if proper conditions and permits are initially obtained, these may not be maintained over time.”

Caucasian brown bears are often illegally captured from the wild and kept in extremely poor conditions in private facilities such as restaurants, hotels, gas stations, private zoos, and even factories. They are used to entertain visitors or for breeding purposes. In some cases, bear meat is even offered as a “delicacy” in restaurants.

The goal of the “80 Bears” initiative is to raise awareness about this issue, rescue bears kept in captivity, and eliminate this shameful practice from Armenia.

The construction of the Wildlife Rescue Center (WRC) is being supported long-term by FPWC’s main partner, VivaCell-MTS.

International Animal Rescue’s mission is to rescue animals affected by human-wildlife conflict in different parts of the world. In India, around 800 captive “dancing” bears have been rescued and rehabilitated. In Indonesia, the organization focuses on rescuing Bornean orangutans and other primates, including lorises. Whenever possible, rescued animals are released back into the wild; those unable to survive independently are provided with lifelong care in safe shelters.