Two bears rescued from “deplorable conditions” in Armenia by an East Sussex charity have been making the most of their new lives in a bear sanctuary.
Giant Siberian bear Max and Syrian bear Minnie were living in a bus depot for the entertainment of travellers until they were saved in 2018.
The rescue operation was carried out by International Animal Rescue (IAR), based in Uckfield, and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets in Armenia.
Alan Knight, IAR president, told the BBC it was “heart-warming” to see how healthy and playful Max and Minnie were “after years of cruelty and neglect”. “They are seizing a second chance to enjoy life to the full,” he added.