Help for Rescued Bears in Azerbaijan
#HelpForBearsInNeed
Upon request of the local NGO Good World Animal Rescue and Protection and with the great support of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, FOUR PAWS was able to provide help for over 20 bears kept in captivity in Azerbaijan since 2023. FOUR PAWS was invited twice to go to Azerbaijan with a team of experienced wildlife veterinarians to medically treat the animals. We are very grateful that our visits and the good and ongoing collaboration with different stakeholders in Azerbaijan had impact on the welfare of the bears in the country!
Together We Achieved:
- Birth control measures that prevent the unwanted breeding of bears
- Veterinary checks and necessary treatment have freed a lot of bears from pain
- Raising awareness for a better understanding how bears in captivity should be managed
- Sparked a discussion on how to improve the living conditions for the captive bears in Azerbaijan in middle term
During our work in Azerbaijan, we realised that one bear needs special attention: Bear Dunbar. Dunbar was found disorientated roaming the streets of a village in Azerbaijan in 2020. No one knows where he is from, but it seems as if he lived in captivity before. The Ministry was able to capture him and brought him to the state-run rescue facility for bears.
Unfortunately, Dunbar had a lot of health issues and had to be vet checked twice by our wildlife veterinarians. Three of his canine teeth had to be removed, as well as his right eye, as it showed a severe cataract and additional inflammatory processes of irreversible and painful nature. On the left eye he has reduced vision due to a corneal injury.
Although Dunbar is receiving the best possible care at the rescue centre, we and our stakeholders in Azerbaijan know that he needs more attention and medical care over the course of his life than other, healthy bears. Dunbar is very vocal, which suggests that he is stressed. He is almost blind, and we assume that he feels threatened by the other bears that are kept next to him in the rescue centre. Dunbar needs a quiet place to withdraw, and FOUR PAWS wants to give him this place and rehome Dunbar to its BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach in Austria.
Again, with the great help of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan and different other stakeholders, we are preparing for the relocation of bear Dunbar from Azerbaijan to Austria. The transfer of Dunbar is a major undertaking, as many documents for his transfer must be obtained. In addition, Dunbar’s relocation and life-long care in our sanctuary in Austria is associated with high costs.
