Bear rescued after being trapped in cage for two years

By Kate Pounds

A Syrian brown bear had a seven-day snooze after being rescued from a tiny filthy prison - a cage he was welded inside.

Four-year-old Noah was trapped for over two years in a cage that was welded shut and not cleaned in Yerevan, Armenia.

Noah - weighing in at nearly 100kg - had stood for long periods in darkness in the 15ft by 20ft foot metal prison.

Bred in captivity, the bear was kept for 'entertainment' near a restaurant.

The neglected bear was subject to extreme suffering due to the freezing conditions with his paws were sore and bloody from standing on a floor covered in urine and feces.

The youngster was so stressed and tired that he snuggled up and slept for a full seven days after he was freed by workers from charities International Animal Rescue (IAR) and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), on March 5.

Emergency services had to help cut open the bear's cage.

He's now safe in an FPWC rescue center, where he's waiting for a full dental examination on his broken teeth to kickstart his long recovery.

The two charities are appealing for funds - and say it costs around $2,500 to keep a bear in a rescue center for a year.

Alan Knight OBE, president of IAR, called the situation heartbreaking.

He said: "No animal deserves to experience the kind of suffering that Noah endured.

"Noah experienced unimaginable suffering as he remained trapped in his filthy, freezing cage with no way to escape.

"The International Animal Rescue and FPWC's commitment ensured Noah's safety; however, his struggle to improve his life continues.

"Noah requires expert veterinary services and constant monitoring to start his recovery process.

"Noah deserves a better life, and we need the public's help to fund and support his long recovery process.”

Around 80 bears are thought to be suffering in filthy captivity in Armenia, according to information from IAR.

The animals remain confined in cages at restaurants, hotels and roadside zoos without sufficient food, water or space to move.