Bear raised for taxidermy and ex-circus bear start a new life in an Irish forest after five-year rescue from Russia

Bu and Tyapa were cut out of rusting cages in Dagestan and sedated for the 4,000km journey to Wild Ireland in County Donegal. Russia's invasion of Ukraine wrecked the planned road route in 2022. A Middle East alternative then stalled in February 2026 when the Iran conflict closed airspace. Etihad finally flew the pair via Abu Dhabi at a reduced price, with more than 100 people involved.

Tyapa's roofless cage was too low to stand in, and his only water came from a hose.

Blood tests found serious kidney damage from years of dehydration.

Sanctuary workers Dima and Yana Kim drove 36 hours across Russia to free them.