Bears kept in cage in Azerbaijan arrive at Isle of Wight sanctuary

Two brown bears previously kept in cage near a restaurant in Azerbaijan have arrived at their new home – an animal sanctuary on the Isle of Wight.

After being flown almost 3,000 miles to Glasgow, Benji and Balu travelled to Portsmouth before crossing the Solent to the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary at Sandown on the island’s south-east coast.

The sanctuary fundraised almost £218,000 over a year to build a new home and pay for travel costs to rehome the brothers.

The bears, who arrived on the island late on Wednesday morning, were “keen to explore their new surroundings”, the sanctuary said.

But it added the pair would remain out of public view in their new surroundings while they settled in.

The sanctuary said their new enclosure had “soft grass, natural ponds, shaded trees and cosy dens”.

They were moved by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan from the restaurant where they were kept to attract customers about two years ago to a temporary shelter.

Wildheart Animal Sanctuary started fundraising to rehome the bears having become aware of their plight in May 2024.

Chief executive Lawrence Bates said bringing them over was “a landmark moment”.

“Benji and Balu will experience grass beneath their paws, cool water to wallow in, and expert care every day,” he said.

“They finally get the life they deserve.”