WATCH: Kurdish American org. releases four bears into Kurdistan nature

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdish American Cooperation Organization on Saturday released four bears into Kurdistan’s nature as a step to protect wild animals in the Region.

The bears were released in Choman town near the Halgurd and Kodo mountainous area in the province of Erbil known as Halgurd – Sakran National Park.

The head of the organization Blend Brifkani told Kurdistan24 they had chosen the area because it was best suited for wild animals in the Kurdistan Region.

He mentioned they discovered six bears that were adopted by local people in Erbil, Duhok, and Kirkuk Provinces.

“The bears were adopted by some local people from the Kurdistan Region in their homes,” Brifkani stated.

“We discussed and agreed with their owners to find a good place for the bears and release them,” he added.

Brifkani revealed they had decided to continue adopting two of the six bears due to their young ages. The two bears will also be released into the wild once they grow to a certain age.

Legal measures will be taken against whoever hurts the bears, and other wild animals in the area, the Mayor of Choman Ahmed Qadir told Kurdistan24.

He also stated the organization would release more animals into the wild in the future.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany

(Additional reporting by Tayfur Mohammed)