- Title: Ukrainian animal rescue center rehabilitates abused circus bears
- Date: 17th August 2017
- Summary: BEREZIVKA, ZHYTOMYR REGION, UKRAINE (AUGUST 15, 2017) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER VISITOR, OLEXANDER SHVISTOV, SAYING: "As far as I know, all the animals were brought here from circuses or were taken from somewhere. It seems to me they feel much better here compared to how they were mistreated. I know there is a blind female bear. It was blinded. It's better for them here." BEAR CLIMBING TREE VIEW OF BEAR ON TREE, ANOTHER ONE ON GROUND NEARBY BEAR ON GROUND BEAR ON TREE BEAR GOING DOWN TREE VARIOUS OF MAN TAKING PICTURES OF BEAR SIGN READING (Ukrainian and English): "DO NOT FEED BEARS. THEY ARE ON SPECIAL DIET" AND "ON THE TERRITORY OF THE SHELTER IS NO SMOKING" TEENAGERS WALKING PAST BEAR BEHIND FENCE BEARS IN ENCLOSURE BEAR ON GROUND BEAR NEAR TREE
- Embargoed: 31st August 2017 16:17
- Keywords: Ukraine bears rehabilitation center for bears circuses
- Location: BEREZIVKA AND PAVLOHRAD, UKRAINE AND UNKNOWN LOCATION
- City: BEREZIVKA AND PAVLOHRAD, UKRAINE AND UNKNOWN LOCATION
- Country: Ukraine
- Topics: Environment,Nature/Wildlife,Human Interest / Brights / Odd News
- Reuters ID: LVA0036UJPTG9
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: A Ukrainian animal rescue center is rescuing brown bears that have been abused at circuses.
The centre, called Nadia - or hope, is based in Berezivka village, Zhytomyr region, around 150 kilometers north west from the capital Kiev.
Founded in 2012 by the international organisation 'FOUR PAWS', the centre focuses on giving the mistreated animals a second chance at a happy life free of cruelty.
The centre houses five brown bears. The very first bear to have been rescued is Nastya, who was seized from her mother at three months old and ended up at a private zoo in the town of Lutsk, before being rescued.
Two other bears, Yulia and Zoya, spent ten years in small cages and were only allowed out to perform at circus shows. Zoya has suffered significant damage to her sight.
The animal centre says it is working hard to rescue other animals suffering cruelty at the hands of humans.
The organisation is currently building another rehabilitation center in Lviv region, where some 20 bears will be given a new home. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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