A Heartwarming Rescue: Ricky the Brown Bear Returns to the Wild

We are thrilled to share the inspiring story of Ricky, a young brown bear affectionately named after comedian Ricky Gervais. After an incredible journey of rescue and recovery, Ricky has been returned to his natural habitat in the mountains of Armenia! ????

Late one night, Ricky was injured after being hit by a vehicle. Thanks to the swift response from our team at the Urtsadzor Wildlife Rescue Centre—managed by the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) in partnership with International Animal Rescue (IAR)—and support from the RA Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Vayots Dzor Environmental and Subsoil Inspection Body, Ricky received immediate medical attention.

Our dedicated veterinarian, Harutyun Hovhannisyan, recalls: “The bear had a wound to his lower lip which we sutured at the scene of the accident. Fortunately, he had no broken bones, just a minor injury to one leg. He seemed disoriented initially but recovered well after a few days of close observation.”

After two weeks of rehabilitation, Ricky was healthy and ready to return to the wild. Actor and IAR patron Peter Egan, who named the bear after his good friend Ricky Gervais, was present for the release. He described the experience as "exhilarating to see the bear bounding back to freedom."

Alan Knight OBE, President of IAR, shared: "So much of our work with FPWC in Armenia involves rescuing caged bears that have spent years in captivity and can never return to the wild. It’s heartbreaking. So the opportunity to rescue and release a young, healthy animal back into its natural habitat is very uplifting."

This successful release is a testament to the resilience of wildlife and the dedication of everyone involved. We're committed to protecting Armenia's wildlife and providing a safe haven for animals in need.

?? Thank you to all our supporters and partners who make stories like Ricky's possible.

?? Get Involved: If you'd like to learn more or contribute to our lifesaving work, please visit the Wildlife Rescue Center.

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