14 March 2019 – Another success against the cruel keeping of bears in Vietnam: The international animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS rescued a total of five Asiatic black bears from three different bear farms on 11th and 12th March. After their successful rescue, the only thing that still separated the animals from their new life at FOUR PAWS owned BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh, was the 48-hour journey from the the south to the north of the country. Despite the successful rescue mission, FOUR PAWS still has much work to do: The demand for bear bile for allegedly curative purposes is still high in Asia, although there are alternatives. In Vietnam, around 800 bears on bear farms continue to suffer under the most horrible conditions.

FOUR PAWS succeeded in rescuing five former bile bears - Keo, Lim, Dieu, San and Khoai Lang - from the Vietnamese provinces of Binh Duong and Dong Nai. After the bears had been examined before the long transfer, the team travelled over 1,600 kilometres in a 40-hour journey to bring the animals to their new home, BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh.

Unresolved deaths on bear farm

FOUR PAWS had originally planned to rescue seven bile bears from Dong Nai Province in southern Vietnam and bring them to the sanctuary. Tragic circumstances, however, thwarted the plan, with four bears dying within a week on the same farm under yet unknown circumstances. FOUR PAWS now calls on the Vietnamese authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the cause of death. Bear owners have been killing their animals time and again to capitalise on their organs one last time. Should this be the case with the four deceased bears, FOUR PAWS demands a strict crackdown on those responsible.

Sanctuary will offer space for a total of 100 bears

At the sanctuary, all five rescued bears can now recover from their past suffering. Twelve other bears are already enjoying their new life in its natural environment. Once all construction work has been completed, BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh will cover 10 hectares of land and provide space for up to 100 rescued bears. Built according to modern standards, the sanctuary has its own veterinary clinic, a quarantine station, two bear houses, and four outdoor enclosures. Since its official opening on 7th March 2019, locals and tourists from around the world are able to see how formerly tortured farm bears are gradually regaining their natural instincts and living bear-friendly lives. In the spacious open-air enclosures, the bears have access to ponds, trees, climbing and hiding places to pass the time. The sanctuary not only represents a new home for former bile bears, it is also intended to promote animal and species conservation in Vietnam as an educational and awareness-raising centre. 

Learn more about our campaign #SaddestBears