A new chapter of hope has begun for two brown bears recently rescued from captivity in Yerevan’s Malatia-Sebastia district. The bears, both males, underwent successful dental surgeries this week. A specialized team of British veterinarians performed the surgeries in cooperation with the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) and International Animal Rescue.

For years, these bears had lived in small cages under inhumane conditions, gnawing on iron bars out of stress and frustration. This prolonged trauma, combined with an inappropriate diet, left them with severely damaged, broken, and worn teeth, making it painful and difficult to eat.

"These bears had spent many years breaking their teeth by biting cage bars and suffering from poor nutrition," said Gerhard Putter, the experienced veterinarian who led the surgeries. "The operations will now allow them to eat properly again and significantly improve their quality of life."

The dental interventions mark an essential milestone in the bears' recovery. They receive specialized care at FPWC’s Wildlife Rescue Center, where they will gradually regain strength and adapt to an enriched, naturalistic environment that promotes physical and emotional well-being.

This rescue is also part of a broader national effort to end the harmful practice of keeping wild animals in private captivity. Armenia’s Deputy Minister of Environment, Tigran Gabrielyan, pledged to eliminate this practice during the operation.

"FPWC remains deeply committed to rescuing Armenia’s captive wildlife and advocating for systemic change," said Ruben Khachatryan, FPWC’s founder. "We welcome the government’s support and will continue working to ensure no wild animal is forced to endure such suffering again."

Through its Wildlife Rescue Center and broader conservation programs, FPWC protects Armenia’s biodiversity, restores damaged ecosystems, and promotes peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife.