Bears Misha and Masha (Source: Armenpress)
YEREVAN(Armenpress) — The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) with the support of Brigitte Bardot Foundation and Armenia’s Ministry of Nature Protection will implement the transfer of two bears, which were brought to Yerevan from the Gyumri private zoo, to Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Romania on March 23. This announcement was made by the partners during the press conference on March 22.
All the necessary veterinary and export permits have been obtained, the multilateral agreements have been signed, and the means of transportation for the trip from Armenia to Romania is planned.
Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Romania is a closed area of several hectares in accordance with the international standards, which is aimed for the residence of bears with health and psychological problems.
During the quarantine period at Yerevan Zoo, the bears from Gyumri , Misha and Masha have undergone all veterinary examinations, received all the necessary treatments and were vaccinated against rabies. Their fur has significantly improved and their weight considerably increased. In contrast to their initial days, the bears are not fighting for food and water with each other anymore.
Foundation Brigitte Bardot, the main French animal welfare NGO has shouldered the expenses for food, care and transportation of the bears since November 2015. And the representatives of the Foundation just arrived to Armenia to accompany the bears to their new place of residence in the Romanian Libearty Sanctuary.
“In a few hours, the bears Masha and Misha, whose plight has shocked public opinion over the world, will leave their cages for a natural environment. It’s a chance, a hope for all the wild animals unjustly imprisoned, deprived of liberty. The FPWC and my Foundation have worked together, with the support of the Ministry of Nature Protection, to achieve this great result. Beyond this particular case, I am pleased to learn that this Ministry will present on Friday a proposal to strengthen national legislation so that there is never again a ‘zoo of shame’ as the one discovered in Gyumri. Armenia is now an example, the image of a progressive country, respectful of animals… Bravo, Merci,â€
