Bear Rescued After Spending Two Years Trapped in Tiny Cage Outside Armenian Restaurant

For more than two years, a four-year-old Syrian brown bear named Noah lived in a tiny metal cage, sealed shut and soaked in filth, outside a restaurant in Yerevan, Armenia.

Noah, weighing nearly 100 kg, was confined in the 15 by 20 ft metal cage.

Photo courtesy of SWNS via International Animal Rescue

The cage was so small and poorly maintained that Noah could barely move, let alone rest. Fortunately, on March 5, 2025, his nightmare finally ended.

Kept for Entertainment Purposes

In areport by NBC News, Noah had been kept in the cage for ‘entertainment’ purposes. The cage, located in the Silikyan district, was never opened or cleaned during his confinement.

With no escape from freezing temperatures, Noah stood for long stretches on a floor soaked in urine and feces. Additionally, because of the icy floors, Noah was barely able to move.

His paws became raw and bloodied, and his teeth were in poor condition from the stress and neglect.

Rescue Operation Took Emergency Help

According to IAR, Noah’s rescue was carried out by International Animal Rescue (IAR) and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), with the support of local police and emergency services.

The cage had to be physically cut open before Noah could be freed. Once removed, he was taken straight to the FPWC Wildlife Rescue Centre.

A Week of Sleep After Years of Suffering

When Noah arrived at the center, he was given fresh bedding to rest on. What happened next was incredible. Noah snuggled into his bedding and slept for seven days straight.

It was likely the first real rest the four-year-old bear had experienced in years. A footage captured at the scene showed him fluffing up his bedding before curling into it.

Photo courtesy of SWNS via Good News Network

Veterinary Care and a Long Road to Recovery

Since arriving at the rescue center, Noah has been under close observation by veterinary staff. His broken teeth require urgent dental work, and his overall health will need ongoing treatment and monitoring.

Concerns Over Noah’s Suffering During Captivity

The president of International Animal Rescue, Alan Knight, expressed deep concern for Noah, who endured years of suffering in a freezing, filthy cage. He emphasized that no animal should face such conditions.

He also stressed the need for specialized veterinary care and ongoing monitoring to ensure Noah’s healing process.

While Noah is now safe and the rescue was a success, his recovery will take time and is just beginning.