In 2025, Steven Cree opened the first phase of a new bear sanctuary in Ushi, Armenia, moving three Syrian brown bears—Aram, Nairi and Lola—into larger, enriched enclosures.
The bears had been rescued from filthy cages at a Yerevan backyard in 2025, where they had been bred for profit and kept in cramped conditions.
International Animal Rescue and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) are developing the centre, which will provide veterinary care, enrichment and cooler mountainous habitat, said International Animal Rescue.
Additional enclosures remain under construction and fundraising continues, the charity added, before the sanctuary can accommodate all rescued bears.
Local volunteers, including 32‑year‑old Hovhannes Petrosyan who helped transport the bears, say the new habitat gives the animals a chance to display natural behaviour.