A wonderful new beginning for two rescued bears in Inishowen

Photo credit: Joe Boland

A Remarkable Journey Ends in Donegal as Two Rescued Bears Find a New Home at Wild Ireland

After five years of determination, setbacks and an extraordinary international rescue effort, two brown bears named Bu and Tyapa have finally found a safe home at Wild Ireland in Burnfoot.

The remarkable rescue was led by Wild Ireland founder Killian McLaughlin and involved more than 100 people across several countries, all working towards one goal: giving two neglected animals a better life.

Bu and Tyapa had spent years living in unsuitable conditions in Dagestan, Russia. Bu was previously a circus bear, while Tyapa had been kept at a petting zoo.

Their circumstances came to Killian's attention in 2021, beginning what would become a five year mission to bring them to safety.

What followed was far from straightforward. The war in Ukraine and further conflict in the Middle East created enormous difficulties, forcing those involved to rethink their plans and find alternative ways of transporting the bears.

Eventually, with the support of international animal welfare organisations, transport specialists and airline staff, the journey became possible.

The bears travelled from Russia through Abu Dhabi before arriving in Dublin in August. From there, they were transported to their new home in Burnfoot.

Following a period of quarantine and veterinary care, Bu and Tyapa were introduced to their woodland surroundings in September.

Their recovery is already showing encouraging signs, although both animals will need time to become comfortable in an environment very different from the confined spaces they had previously known.

At Wild Ireland, they now have access to woodland, water, space to explore and sheltered areas where they can retreat whenever they wish.

For Killian and everyone who helped make the rescue possible, seeing the two bears settling into their new surroundings must be an incredibly rewarding moment.

It is also another achievement for Wild Ireland, which has become one of Inishowen's most distinctive wildlife attractions, providing a sanctuary for rescued animals while helping visitors learn about species that once lived in Ireland.

The arrival of Bu and Tyapa brings the number of brown bears at Wild Ireland to four.

There is something particularly heartwarming about a rescue that brought together people from different countries during such difficult times.

After years of uncertainty, these two animals have finally been given the opportunity to live in safety.

Congratulations to Killian McLaughlin and everyone involved in making this extraordinary rescue possible.

It is a wonderful achievement for Wild Ireland, for Burnfoot and for Inishowen.

Have you visited Wild Ireland? We'd love to hear about your experience and what you think of this remarkable rescue.