In brief
Two brown bears, Bu and Tyapa, spent years in confined cages in Russia before a multinational team rescued them to a wildlife sanctuary in County Donegal. The journey travelled from Moscow to Dublin via Abu Dhabi and was hampered by war and airspace closures. Now the bears are healthier, gaining weight and recovering kidney function while exploring their new woodland enclosure. Dedicated staff, including founder Killian McLaughlin and volunteer Chloe McElhatton, encourage natural foraging behaviour and provide 24‑hour care. Visitors describe the bears as "big and impressive" and highlight the emotional impact of watching them thrive.
After five years in cramped Russian cages, two large brown bears have finally started life in a peaceful Irish sanctuary.
Bu, a former circus bear, and Tyapa were rescued from a 2.5 m box in Dagestan, where they endured years of confinement.
The journey to County Donegal was a globe‑spanning adventure, from Moscow to Dublin via Abu Dhabi, with two wars and airspace closures forcing detours.
Today they thrive inside Wild Ireland's woodland enclosure, gaining weight, improving coat condition, and showing normal kidney function on recent blood tests.
Wild Ireland's team, led by founder Killian McLaughlin and staff like wildlife volunteer Chloe McElhatton, encourages the bears to forage and explore for a natural behaviour recovery.
Visitors say the bears are "big and impressive", and locals say watching them in open forest has been a highlight of their visit.
Bu and Tyapa settle into new surroundings in County Donegal.
