International Animal Rescue
Dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of suffering animals

IAR founder John Hicks and friend

"Each and every one of us has the ability to look at an animal and see if that animal is in pain. And if an animal is in pain, surely if we are human – if we are caring, thinking people – surely it is our responsibility to try to do whatever we can to stop that suffering."

John Hicks, IAR Founder

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Media: Video Footage

Environmental enrichment

International Animal Rescue is committed to giving the rescued bears as full a life as possible in our peaceful sanctuaries. With this aim in mind, they are provided with various types of environmental enrichment to amuse and stimulate them. The techniques were chosen and implemented by MSC student Laurence Van Atten who is producing a paper on her findings. As can be seen in the short clips below, the introduction of simple objects into the socialisation areas immediately arouses the bears’ curiosity and playfulness.

The wobble tree

The wobble tree
A metal container with holes drilled in it attached to a pole and filled with chunks of fresh fruit. The bears soon get the idea and behave just like wild bears to claim the treats.

Blind bears

Blind bears
These bears are partially or totally blind as a result of their cruel past. Yet they are still curious and playful when introduced to something strange and new.

Keeping it simple

Keeping it simple
A simple pile of hay can be a source of much enjoyment.

A different version of the wobble tree

A different version of the wobble tree
Wooden climbing frames also satisfy the bears’ natural instincts to climb.

Object play

Object play
The bears are not difficult to amuse, even with everyday objects.

June 2008
Update on IAR’s work in Indonesia
As well as macaques and slow lorises, our team in Indonesia has ended the suffering of a number of endangered Javan gibbons living in misery in a centre known as Cikananga.

June 2008
Goa vets examine hawksbill sea turtle
In June the vets at the International Animal Rescue centre in Goa had an unusual patient in the form of a giant Hawksbill sea turtle.

June 2008
IAR speaks out against the Great British Circus scandal
International Animal Rescue is urging people to stay away from the Great British Circus during its visit to Tonbridge because it uses a variety of animals in its acts, including lions, tigers, camels and zebras.

May 2008
Live music event at the home of Rudyard Kipling will raise funds for the dancing bears in India
CANCELLED. On 2 & 3 August Bateman’s in Burwash, East Sussex - former home of The Jungle Book author Rudyard Kipling - is the venue for a live show starring Deana Martin, daughter of the legendary Dean Martin.

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