A heartwarming rescue story has culminated in the successful release of Ricky, a brown bear who was injured in a vehicle accident, back into the wilds of Armenia. The bear, affectionately named after comedian Ricky Gervais, received life-saving treatment at the Urtsadzor Wildlife Rescue Centre, a collaboration between the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) and International Animal Rescue (IAR). After two weeks of dedicated rehabilitation, Ricky has been returned to the rugged Armenian mountains, where he can thrive in his natural habitat.
Celebrating a Momentous Release
The release event was made even more special by the presence of actor and animal advocate Peter Egan, who serves as a patron of IAR. Egan chose to name the bear in honour of his close friend, Ricky Gervais. Following the emotional release, he expressed his exhilaration, stating, “It was thrilling to witness the bear bounding back to freedom.” He shared his sentiments on social media, highlighting the incredible work of the rescue teams: “This was exceptional to see this wonderful bear #Ricky released into the wild after being hit by a car and brought back to fitness by the amazing work done by @IAR_updates and @FPWC_Intl.”
A Safe and Strategic Release
The release procedure was meticulously planned to ensure the safety of both the bear and the rescue team. As the moment approached, the team strategically withdrew to their vehicles, allowing one ranger from FPWC to open the transport crate. As Ricky emerged, his instincts kicked in, leading him to chase the ranger towards the vehicle. Captured on video, this heart-stopping encounter showcased the bear’s eagerness to reclaim his freedom.
Alan Knight OBE, President of International Animal Rescue, underscored the importance of safety during such operations. “Releasing a wild animal, especially one as powerful as a bear, requires careful planning. The rangers discussed the best strategies for opening the crate while ensuring their safety,” he explained.
Grateful for Support
Knight also expressed gratitude toward Peter Egan for his ongoing involvement and advocacy. “We’re thrilled that Peter has chosen the name Ricky for the bear. His support has been instrumental to our mission, and we deeply appreciate both him and Ricky Gervais for championing our lifesaving efforts,” he said.
Ricky’s Journey from Rescue to Recovery
Ricky’s journey began two weeks earlier when he was struck by a vehicle late at night. The incident prompted a swift rescue mission by a joint team from FPWC and the RA Ministry, who transported him to the Urtsadzor centre for medical care. Veterinarian Harutyun Hovhannisyan provided insight into Ricky’s condition during his stay. “He sustained a wound to his lower lip, which we sutured at the scene. Fortunately, he had no broken bones, just a minor injury to one leg. Initially disoriented, he quickly recovered with close observation.”
Hovhannisyan emphasized the importance of Ricky’s natural instincts, noting, “As a wild bear, he exhibited a natural fear of humans. His avoidance behaviour is critical for his survival in the wild.”
A Joyous Conclusion
Alan Knight concluded, “Every successful return of a wild animal to its natural habitat is a significant victory for our team. Many of our rescues involve bears that cannot return to the wild, making the successful rehabilitation and release of a healthy bear like Ricky incredibly rewarding. We could not achieve this without the support of our donors, and we invite others to join us in this crucial work.”
