Outlander star Steven Cree opens Armenia sanctuary for three rescued bears

Outlander actor Steven Cree has opened the first phase of a new bear sanctuary in Armenia, giving rescued Syrian brown bears larger and more enriched habitats. Three bears, Aram, Nairi and Lola, have already moved into the sanctuary after being rescued from filthy cages at a Yerevan backyard in 2025. Developed by International Animal Rescue and Armenia’s Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets, the facility aims to provide long-term care for bears that cannot safely return to the wild. Further enclosures are still being built, with fundraising continuing to complete the sanctuary and support its rescued residents.Steven Cree helps open new sanctuary for rescued Syrian brown bearsThe first phase of the sanctuary in Ushi has already opened, with some rescued bears settling into larger, enriched habitats. The project is being developed by International Animal Rescue in partnership with Armenia’s Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC).Further enclosures still need to be completed before all of the rescued bears can be transferred there. International Animal Rescue is continuing to raise funds for the remaining work as well as the ...