**Rescue Mission Brings Hope to Asiatic Black Bears in Vietnam**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Bear-rescue-051126-tout-35c7206616e54479a69eb01a313e4890.jpg)
Two female Asiatic black bears, Oriole and Cuckoo, are set to begin a new chapter in their lives after being rescued from a life of captivity in Vietnam. For over two decades, the bears were confined to small, barred cages that deprived them of any enrichment. The significant rescue was conducted by Animals Asia in collaboration with several local authorities and conservation departments.
On 22 April, a coordinated effort led to the successful transfer of the bears from their former owners to a sanctuary, marking a vital step towards their rehabilitation. Oriole and Cuckoo, both aged over 20, were discovered living in cramped conditions, having endured painful bile extraction procedures until the practice was outlawed in Vietnam. Their rescue is particularly poignant, representing a milestone in a lengthy battle against bear bile farming.
Animals Asia has dedicated itself to relocating bears still in captivity at non-operational bile farms throughout Vietnam. Their quest is to ensure these animals experience life in environments that are safe, spacious, and natural. In the case of Oriole and Cuckoo, the transition took a year of dialogue with their previous owners to ensure that they felt secure in surrendering their bears.
Following their rescue, both bears have been transported to the Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre located in Bach Ma National Park. Here, they are receiving the necessary medical treatment and care essential for their recovery. Their arrival is part of a larger effort that has seen six former bile-farming bears placed at the rescue centre in just a month. Oriole and Cuckoo were the last of the bile-farming bears in the Yen Thanh district, underscoring the importance of their rescue.
This operation marks a significant milestone for Animals Asia as it celebrates its third bear rescue of the year, bringing the total number of rescued bears in Vietnam to an impressive 297. Yet, the fight is not over; according to the organisation, approximately 150 bears remain in captivity across the country.
Animals Asia’s efforts extend beyond individual rescues; the organisation is working diligently to encourage the Vietnamese government to facilitate the transfer of remaining bile-farming bears to sanctuaries through a letter-writing campaign directed at the Prime Minister. This appeal is part of a broader initiative aimed at ceasing all bear bile farming in Vietnam.
Currently, Oriole and Cuckoo are undergoing a quarantine period while they prepare for gradual integration into the sanctuary’s semi-natural enclosures. Their situation is urgent; upon arrival, both bears were found to be underweight and dehydrated, with skin conditions exacerbated by their previous living conditions.
“Every bear that Animals Asia rescues is a victory, but saving these particular bears is especially meaningful,” remarked Dr Jill Robinson, MBE, founder of Animals Asia. “Their journey towards freedom is a testament to decades of collaboration with the Vietnamese government and the public to close down bile farms and to champion a future of compassionate animal welfare.”
As Oriole and Cuckoo begin to acclimatise to their new surroundings, the hope remains that their rescue will serve as a catalyst for further changes in animal welfare across Vietnam. With continued support and advocacy, there is optimism for a future where no bears suffer in captivity or endure the cruelty of bile farming.
For more insights into Animals Asia’s vital work in saving bears and promoting animal welfare, individuals are encouraged to visit the organisation’s website. As the plight of captive animals highlights ongoing issues in wildlife conservation, stories like that of Oriole and Cuckoo remind us of the resilience of these creatures and the importance of advocating for their rights.