Disoriented and weak, lost and confused, brown bear Dunbar wandered through the streets of a village in Azerbaijan. The sight of this bear naturally caught the attention of the local news, raising many questions about this heart-wrenching mystery — who he was and how had he ended up there?

With no clear answers in sight, it was assumed that Dunbar had escaped from a life of private captivity. His cloudy eyes and broken teeth indicated an urgent need for help. We believe that he may have spent years as a so-called 'restaurant bear', a practise that is fortunately banned in Azerbaijan. Dunbar was then brought to a state-run rescue centre.

Now, we want to bring him to our BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach — over 3,500 kilometres away from his current location. Will you help make this mission possible?

Since November 2023, FOUR PAWS was invited twice at the request of local activists, and with significant support from the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan to help over 20 bears that are kept in captivity in Azerbaijan.

The animals were treated by two experienced wildlife veterinarians. During this time, Dunbar underwent two long-lasting surgeries. His right eye showed severe clouding of the lens and chronic inflammatory processes. Due to the irreversible nature of this condition and the potential pain it could cause, the FOUR PAWS wildlife veterinarians had to remove his right eye, along with three broken canine teeth. But despite these challenges, Dunbar has stayed resilient.

Although Dunbar is receiving the best possible care at the rescue centre, along with the relevant stakeholders in Azerbaijan we know that it is crucial for Dunbar to reside somewhere that can provide the specialist medical care he needs over the course of his life. At around 20 years old, he still has many good years ahead of him.

Dunbar is very vocal in his enclosure, which suggests that he is stressed and due to his very limited vision, we assume that he feels threatened by the other bears in nearby enclosures. He needs a quiet place to withdraw, so we wish to bring him to our BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach in Austria — a peaceful and species-appropriate home where he can have a fresh start. 

This relocation requires covering more than 3,500 kilometres, which means Dunbar will be transported on the road and by plane. All of this comes at a cost, and we can only make it happen with your support. Please donate now to support us in bringing Dunbar safely to his new home.

After a journey of nearly 30 hours by plane and road Dunbar has finally arrived safely in Austria.

For now, Dunbar is settling into a quiet adjustment enclosure where he’ll spend his first weeks in quarantine. He was curious and engaged upon arrival: sniffing around, enjoying some well-earned snacks, and digging a cozy pit to rest in, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature.

We know the road ahead won’t be without its challenges. Being nearly blind makes everyday situations more stressful for Dunbar, so we’re taking everything at his pace, ensuring calm, consistency, and care so he can adjust and feel safe in his new environment.

Dunbar is currently in his adaptation enclosure, which has access to a small outdoor area, perfect while he rests and recovers. According to quarantine measures in Austria, he will stay in this area for the time being. Our team of caretakers have carefully prepared his enclosure, lining the den with straw to make it cosy and comfortable. 

Currently, Dunbar hides in the den when the caretakers come, he has learned that the food is placed outside and that the den is his safe space. We're giving him the time and space he needs to feel comfortable and safe in his new forever home. 

We know that the acclimatisation process, both for his physical and psychological improvements will take time. The change in environment is just the first step for Dunbar to start feeling at home. It's a marathon, not a sprint, and we're here for bear Dunbar every step of the way.