24.2.2023 – Source: Four Paws / Vier Pfoten
February the 24th marks a sad anniversary: one year of Russian invasion in Ukraine. Millions fled for their lives and animals were caught in the crossfire. But as these days are filled with heart-breaking news, we think it is more important than ever to celebrate the little successes.
There is one thing that gives us a tremendous amount of hope in times of crisis: To see how people all over the world stick together to help. It is easy to feel helpless and powerless but together, we can achieve so much.
In the end, it is thanks to the support of compassionate people that we were able to react immediately in the Ukraine.
There are many examples of Four Paws’ helping and rescuing actions. This is one of them:
Rescue Bear Bakhmut – Abandoned in a destroyed backyard in war-torn Ukraine
In times of war and crisis, animals are often the forgotten victims. Bear Bakhmut was one of these poor creatures. Extremely stressed and malnourished, he was found by the military in a private backyard in war-torn Donetsk region. Trapped in his concrete cage and abandoned by his owner he was left to his fate.
Emergency transfer
The Ukrainian military looked after the poor brown bear, but after several days they couldn’t feed him any longer. They reached out to our local partner organisations Wild Animal Rescue (WAR) and UAnimals, who informed FOUR PAWS, asking to take in the bear. Immediately, an urgent rescue mission was set up. On September 8th Bakhmut arrived safely at BEAR SANCTUARY Domazhyr. His condition was very poor but already seemed to improve during the transfer.
A new life in safety and freedom
After arriving at BEAR SANCTUARY Domazhyr, Bakhmut is now settling in and getting used to his new environment. Our experienced team at the sanctuary is closely monitoring Bakhmut’s behaviour and health condition to ensure he can recover from his past and start living a bear-friendly life.
Bakhmut, named after the town where he was found, is a calm bear. His behaviour implies that he is used to being around humans. During his first days he was quite shy, rather observing his surroundings from distance, but soon he got more active and curiously started exploring his new home.
Update: November 2022
Bear Bakhmut is doing well. After being released to a large forest enclosure, he is now enjoying the additional space. He seems to be relaxed and he loves to lie in the bear house from where he can watch the other enclosures. In the future, he might get socialised with other bears. Also, this year, Bakhmut will have the opportunity to hibernate as he will be provided with proper conditions. He has a great appetite and especially enjoys fish!
Private keeping of bears in Ukraine
Since November 2021, the keeping of wild animals, such as bears or big cats, for entertainment purposes is illegal in Ukraine. However, private ownership of wild animals is still allowed, if the conditions are according to minimum standards and owners hold the required documents. FOUR PAWS continues to fight to improve the situation for bears in Ukraine.
You can still support our work for animals in need in Ukraine here
Dear Mervi
Thank you very much for your appropriate words and that you personally still find the necessary energy and WILL to persevere with everything here and elsewhere despite of the poor feedback you have to realize more and more often . . .
Thanks also for sharing the article by ‘FOUR PAWS’ and through your words the sharing of respect for every organization and private action/support, may it be by direct protection, knowhow, goods, money or even just words of empathy if other means are not possible for one or another reason.
I’d like to virtually soft KNUTi-style hug BAKHMUT
on his behalf and through him as well on behalf of any other animal that doesn’t find as much luck after much fear/sadness/lonelyness/pain and on behalf of any helping hand and mind (as e.g. the “Ukranian soldiers involved in comparable helping actions”, “FOUR PAWS”, “BEAR SANCTUARY Domazhyr” or whatsoever “individual”).
It’s heartbreaking . . .
all the misery so many humans AND animals have to BEAR!
Dear Mervi!
For some time now, one could only cry. There is simply too much to cope with: three years of the pandemic, the terrible war in Ukraine that has been going on for a year now, many natural disasters, such as the recent devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria. So much suffering!
All the more important is the positive news and the evidence that there are still people with compassion and willingness to help, who do not only care about themselves and their surroundings.
I am very glad that there are organisations like ” Four Paws” that care for animals in need all over the world.
Bakhmut has been lucky after his bad experiences and I hope he recovers fully.
Thank you for this ray of hope!
Hugs
Anke
Dear Mervi
This war is terrible and has driven many people from their homes.
The war created many sad facts.
So the news about this poor bear is just a glimmer of hope.
I am pleased that he was able to recover and can now adjust to a better life.
My best wishes for Bakhmut, for the people in the Ukraine and for the Land Ukraine it self!
Hugs,
Anita
I wish we knew more about the two Polar Bears but it is great that other bears are being rescued.
Ich freu mich für Bakhmut,alles Liebe weiterhin für ihn und dankeschön an 4 Pfoten! 💓
LG Brigitte
Dear Mervi!
I am very happy for the bear Bakhmut. FOR PAWS do a great job with saving the animals.
It is terrible to know that the people and the animals in Ukraine are living in the war. Unfortunately, there is still no end in sight.
Hugs
Ludmila