From Russian cages to Irish sanctuary: The five-year rescue journey of Bu and Tyapa
Summary
Two brown bears, Bu and Tyapa, arrived at Wild Ireland sanctuary in County Donegal in August 2026 after a five-year rescue effort from Dagestan, Russia. After years in poor conditions and a journey delayed by conflicts and transport disruptions, both bears have gained weight and their kidney function has returned to normal, according to the sanctuary’s founder.Key Facts
- Bu was forced to perform in a circus and later lived in a small indoor cage.
- Tyapa was kept in a 2.5-by-2.5-by-2-metre cage, where he could not stand upright, according to Wild Ireland founder Killian McLaughlin.
- Both bears were malnourished and showed signs of psychological trauma when rescued; blood tests found serious kidney problems linked to dehydration.
- In October 2025, rescuers drove 36 hours to Dagestan, freed the bears from their cages, and took them to Tiger House near St Petersburg for veterinary care and quarantine.
- Russia’s invasion of Ukraine made the original transport route through Ukraine impossible.
- Conflict-related airspace closures and flight disruptions in February 2026 caused further delays to a proposed route through the Middle East.
- The bears travelled from Moscow via Abu Dhabi to Dublin and arrived in Ireland on 3 August 2026.
- Wild Ireland said the bears have gained weight, their coats have improved, and follow-up blood tests showed normal kidney function.
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