Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago

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Watch the moment rescued bears step outside for the first time.

Back in June 2022, our partners, FPWC, rescued a mother bear and her two tiny cubs from a private zoo in Artsakh.

After everything they had been through, the cubs were more than ready to explore. New smells, enrichment to investigate… and then they spotted the pool.

Naturally, they were obsessed.

Mom, however, was not exactly sold on the idea.

While the cubs happily splashed around, she quickly stepped in and carried them away by the scruff of their necks. Very much a “that’s enough excitement for one day” moment.

Enrichment like pools, food puzzles and new objects is a really important part of life for rescued bears. It keeps them active, gives them choices, encourages natural behavior and helps build their confidence after years of confinement.

Fast-forward four years, and the cubs are much bigger. But their love of the pool? Still going strong.

Sorry, Mom.