Two bears who spent years in harsh captivity outside a restaurant in Azerbaijan are finally getting a second chance at life, as they prepare to move to a newly built sanctuary on the Isle of Wight in the UK.
The bears, named Benji and Balu, were found malnourished and injured, trapped in a small concrete cage. Their living conditions were described as grim, with no space to roam and no natural surroundings—just cold walls and metal bars. They had been used as a roadside attraction, drawing in tourists and customers to a restaurant, until animal rights activists stepped in.
The rescue was led by Good World Animal Rescue and Protection (GWARP), an animal welfare group based in Azerbaijan. After confirming that their captivity was illegal, the charity removed the bears and began caring for them in temporary shelter, along with 13 other bears found in similar conditions.
In May 2024, the UK’s Wildheart Animal Sanctuary learned about the brothers’ situation and launched a campaign to bring them to Britain. With support from the public, the sanctuary raised over £225,000 to create a custom-built 3,500-square-metre enclosure designed specifically for rescued bears who cannot return to the wild.
This state-of-the-art space includes grass, trees, ponds, and even areas for hibernation—features the bears have never known. It can house up to four bears, with Benji and Balu set to be the first to arrive.
The bears’ journey from Azerbaijan to the Isle of Wight is expected to take place in June. Their travel is being sponsored by the airline Cargolux, which is providing a special flight from Baku to the UK.
According to Wildheart’s team, the focus now is on helping the bears recover—both physically and emotionally. They plan to provide personalised care plans to support the bears’ adjustment and help them reclaim their natural instincts, such as foraging and playing.
This rescue also highlights a larger issue across Europe, where many bears live in poor conditions and sanctuaries are limited. The new facility aims to be part of the solution, offering not just safety and comfort but a permanent home for bears who’ve suffered abuse.
Benji and Balu’s story is a rare chance for redemption and healing. After years of pain and neglect, they are finally heading toward a life of peace, surrounded by nature—and free from cages.