Rescue of 9 Bile Bears
From life behind bars to paradise: Almost two decades in captivity are over
In February, our experienced team undertook the biggest bile bear rescue mission to date. Nine Asiatic black bears have been kept on three different farms in Binh Duong province, suffering terribly from the cruel process of bile extraction. In tiny cages, only surrounded by metal bars and barely enough space to move, they have been kept far away from their natural needs.
A 42-hour journey to freedom
Due to the pandemic, the rescue mission had been delayed, but finally, on February, 10th our team started their journey, which took several days. The team rescued six bears from two farms on the first day – Danh, Thi, Teo, Tai, Tin and Khoi. The females Danh and Thi were found in poor condition, suffering from common bile bear health issues, like gastritis, gallstones and kidney problems. At BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh they will be under close surveillance and get intensive care. On the next day, when arriving at the third farm, the team was shocked: The bears Nui, Vui and An have lost significant weight since the team visited last year. All the bears received their initial vet checks and then were provided with fruits, water, fresh showers and straw, before the journey to their new life began. Fortunately, all the bears arrived safely at the sanctuary, where they could begin exploring their species-appropriate surroundings.
Vui
Nui
An
Teo
Tai
Tin
Khoi
Danh
Thi
Note: Any advertisements that may appear during the viewing of this video are unrelated to FOUR PAWS. We assume no liability for this content.
Update March 2022
Nui, Vui & An
All three bears are doing really well, enjoying lots of enrichment in their enclosures, like hammocks. Fortunately, Nui, Vui, and An have gained a couple of pounds already – after being starved in the past, they get very excited about food. They eat all their vegetables and they love coconuts!
Danh & Thi
As Danh and Thi have shown to be very sensitive bears, the caretakers have decided to put them together with fewer and older bears, so that they can enjoy some more peacefulness and quietness. After they got accustomed to their new surroundings, Danh and Thi have also been introduced to each other and are now starting to enjoy each other's company.
Teo, Tai, Tin and Khoi
Apart from several different health issues and marks of their past, like signs of stereotypical behavior, the bears are doing well, enjoying lots of enrichment and receiving intensive and loving care according to their needs.
