Rescue Orphaned Bear Cubs in Russia

Help raise an orphaned bear and prepare it for its eventual release back into the wild!

Each year, hundreds of brown bear cubs, just a few weeks old, are left orphaned as a result of the winter bear hunt in Russia. Cubs are born bald, toothless, and blind, and depend on their mothers for at least two seasons. Alone, the bear cubs have no chance of surviving.

Some of the orphaned bear cubs are lucky enough to be rescued and sent to the Orphan Bear Rescue Center operated by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). At the Center, which is located about 350 kilometers northwest of Moscow, renowned bear specialist Professor Valentin Pazhetnov and his family bottle-feed and care for the orphaned cubs around the clock. When the bears are old enough, they are fed just once a day, then left to wander the forest freely and forage for themselves, reducing their dependency on humans. The cubs live in a small cabin where the door is always open through the summer months. Once they have matured enough, they are released into nature reserves where they are safe from hunters.

You can help. This Gift That Gives More funds care for a rescued baby bear cub in Russia for three days. 100% of funds go to IFAW's Bear Rescue Center in Russia.

IFAW works to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals throughout the world by reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in distress. IFAW seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of both animals and people.