Two Brown Bears Rescued from Dagestan Cages to Irish Sanctuary After Five‑Year Journey

After years of confinement in cramped cages in the Republic of Dagestan, Russia, two brown bears—Bu, a former circus performer, and Tyapa, who lived in a 2.5 m square cage with no roof—were rescued by a multinational effort involving more than 100 volunteers, lawyers, veterinarians and transport specialists. The original route through Ukraine was blocked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, forcing a detour via the Middle East. That path was later disrupted in February 2026 by escalating conflict involving Iran, which closed airspace and flight routes. The bears finally travelled from Moscow, via Abu Dhabi, to Dublin, arriving in Ireland on 3 August 2026. They are now at Wild Ireland in County Donegal, where their health has markedly improved: kidney function has returned to normal, weight and coat condition have improved, and they are adjusting to a natural environment after severe malnutrition and psychological trauma.