Sussex charity treating rescued bear in Armenia

Rescuers believe Misha was previously kept in captivity

A team of dental experts led by a Sussex charity are treating a rescued bear which is "in agony" in Armenia.

Misha, a brown bear, was rescued last year by an Armenian NGO with the support of Uckfield-based charity International Animal Rescue (IAR) but needs dental surgery.

He was found wandering the outskirts of a village, and IAR said it was likely he had escaped from captivity or been abandoned.

Alan Knight, the charity's president, said: "The poor bear has clearly been living in agony for years and it’s high time his pain was brought to an end."

During a medical check, vets discovered most of Misha's teeth were broken and decaying, while his gums were infected and swollen.

IAR said it was clear he had been gnawing on cage bars, but added that Misha needed to be stronger to cope with a prolonged period under anaesthetic.

Misha has been receiving specialist care to prepare him for the dental surgery

The rescue team took Misha to a bear sanctuary in Urtsadzor, where he was quarantined and given specialist care to improve his health.

Mr Knight said the operation would be "a particularly long and challenging one".

He added: "We’re very grateful to the dental team for volunteering their time to treat Misha and to our supporters who have helped fund this mercy mission.”

IAR said it was clear Misha had been gnawing on the bars of a cage for years

The dental team of four people - which landed in Armenia in the early hours on Saturday - includes Paul Cassar, an IAR trustee and dentist from Chichester.