Original Artwork: Kostanay – Caroline Heinecke

Photography
Fine Art Print

In 2004, in Kostanay, Central Kazakhstan, a female bear was sentenced to serve a fifteen-year prison term.

The case of Katya, the bear from Kazakhstan, has garnered significant public attention. Katya was convicted and imprisoned in 2004 for attacks on two individuals in separate incidents. The decision to send the bear to prison was made as no other suitable place could be found for her. During her fifteen-year sentence, Katya was held in the Arkalyk Prison in Kostanay. This unusual decision to incarcerate a bear sparked controversy and discussions about how to deal with dangerous animals and humans’ responsibility towards the animal kingdom. After serving her sentence, Katya was released from custody and allowed to join other bears. Caretakers reported that Katya was well-socialized with other bears after her long period of imprisonment, suggesting that the incarceration may have influenced her behavior.

Edition of 10

The print is delivered unframed.