After 10 Years in Captivity, Misha and Dasha the Bears Take Their First Steps Toward Freedom

Bears are majestic creatures, born to roam free in the wild, not to be confined in cages. That belief has driven countless animal rights advocates to fight for the freedom of animals held in captivity. And the heartwarming rescue of two brown bears, Misha and Dasha, is a perfect example of the power of compassion and perseverance.

A Life of Suffering: Misha and Dasha’s Story

For 10 long years, Misha and Dasha lived in a tiny, cramped metal cage outside a restaurant in Armenia, with nothing to do but exist as tourist attractions. These bears were deprived of the natural environment they deserve — no space to roam, no trees to climb, and no opportunity to engage in any normal bear behavior.

Instead, their days were spent pacing the cage, endlessly circling, climbing the bars, and banging their heads in frustration, as they struggled with the monotony of captivity. Sadly, this was their reality for nearly a decade.

Danger and Desperation: The Riverbank Cage

As if their suffering wasn't enough, the bears’ cage was dangerously close to a riverbank, which posed a significant threat during seasonal floods. One year, rising waters nearly claimed their lives. The bears were trapped in the cage, with no way to escape the water, leaving them perilously close to drowning.

"A few years back, the river flooded, and the bears almost drowned," said Lis Key, PR and communications manager for International Animal Rescue (IAR). "The rescue team had to cut through the cages to free them, just in time to prevent disaster."

The Fight for Freedom: Rescuing Misha and Dasha

For years, animal rights organizations like IAR and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) campaigned relentlessly to secure the bears’ release. They worked tirelessly to persuade the restaurant owners to let the bears go, fighting not only for their physical freedom but for a chance at a life worth living.

Finally, after years of hard work, their efforts bore fruit. Armed with specialized tools to cut through the metal bars, the rescue team freed the bears from their cage, transporting them to a sanctuary nestled in the mountains. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives — one where they would no longer be confined by cruel circumstances.

A New Beginning: Misha and Dasha’s First Steps Toward Freedom

After being freed from captivity, Misha and Dasha were sedated and carefully transported to their new home: a sanctuary where they could experience life as bears should. For the first time, they had room to roam, explore, and live without restrictions. Their journey from captivity to freedom was complete.

As winter approached, Misha and Dasha instinctively found shelter in a cave to hibernate. But the surprises didn’t end there. When spring arrived, the bears emerged with a life-changing revelation: Dasha had given birth to two cubs during hibernation.

This unexpected joy brought tears to the eyes of those who had fought so hard for their freedom. No one had realized that Dasha was pregnant at the time of her rescue. As Vicky Mkrtchyan, environmental projects coordinator for FPWC, explained:

"She received all the care she needed after being rescued, including fruits, veggies, and honey to gain weight and prepare for hibernation. But nobody guessed her big appetite was a sign of pregnancy."

From Captivity to Motherhood: Dasha’s Transformation

Dasha’s transformation from a symbol of suffering to a devoted mother is nothing short of miraculous. The bear who once lived a life of captivity now fiercely protects and cares for her cubs, showing a remarkable bond that symbolizes the beauty of nature’s resilience.

"It’s been incredibly uplifting to see Dasha free from the cage," said Mkrtchyan. "Watching her now, with her two cubs, is a testament to the power of life and healing. From a bear who once knew only misery to a mother nurturing her young, Dasha’s journey is one of hope."

A New Life for Misha, Dasha, and Her Cubs

Thanks to the tireless efforts of organizations like IAR and FPWC, Misha, Dasha, and her cubs are thriving in the sanctuary. They now have the chance to live a life that’s filled with freedom, joy, and the opportunity to simply be bears — something that was denied to them for far too long.

Their story is a powerful reminder that no animal should ever be condemned to a life of captivity for human entertainment. The fight to end animal captivity is far from over, but the freedom of Misha, Dasha, and her cubs represents a victory in the ongoing battle for animal rights.

Watch their incredible rescue video below and share it to raise awareness about the fight to end animal captivity.