McLaughlin said the two bears were in extremely poor health when they were first rescued.
Former circus bear Bu had spent years confined to a small indoor cage after being forced to perform.
McLaughlin said Tyapa had lived in a cage measuring just 2.5m by 2.5m by 2m, which was too low for him to stand upright and had no roof, which left him exposed to the harsh winters and blistering summer heat.
The bear had no water dish and relied on a hose for drinking water. McLaughlin said he was being raised to be killed for an eventual taxidermy display.
When the bears were rescued, both were severely malnourished and showed signs of psychological trauma.
Blood tests also revealed serious kidney problems associated with prolonged dehydration.
