Wild Ireland ‘achieved the impossible’ through five-year rescue
Despite difficulties encountered, the rescue was successful and the bears travelled from Dagestan to Donegal
Wild Ireland rescued two brown bears from Russia, who are now settling into their new home in Donegal.
The Burnfoot animal sanctuary was involved in a five-year rescue, taking Bu and Tyapa from unsuitable conditions in the Republic of Dagestan to their new home in Inishowen.
Having first learned about the pair in 2021, founder Killian McLaughlin set his sights on rescuing them. Bu had previously been part of the circus, while Tyapa was allegedly raised for taxidermy. They both ended up in an animal sanctuary called Right to Life, which was intended for smaller animals. The owner contacted Killian through a rescue charity called Bears in Mind, and the rescue process began.
“We committed to bringing them to Wild Ireland, but war, transport restrictions and years of setbacks stood in the way,” Wild Ireland shared. “We kept working to find a route to safety. With the help of more than 100 people, that promise became a reality.
“Now, Bu and Tyapa are home in our forest sanctuary in Donegal, and we’re helping them settle at their own pace. Thank you to everyone who helped us bring them home.”
Wild Ireland offers sanctuary to animals who have been exploited, abused or subjected to unsuitable conditions, offering rescue, rehabilitation and a natural habitat.
The bears are surrounded by woodland, water and space to explore, alongside smaller houses where they can retreat. Visitors will have the opportunity to see Bu and Tyapa during the October mid-term break, although sightings cannot be guaranteed.
“We ask visitors to bear with them while they settle,” said Killian. “They can explore the forest, return to their houses or take themselves away from public view. Giving them that choice is part of their recovery.”
“After five years, traversing 4 countries and two war zones, Bu and Tyapa are finally home. The rest of their lives now belong to them”.
Moondance Productions, which made Return of the Wild: The Bearman of Buncrana, has followed the rescue from the beginning and is due to release a documentary next year.