Wildlife

Bear Welfare in Sanctuaries and Rehabilitation

Bears rescued from bile farms, circuses, and the exotic pet trade require specialised welfare care in sanctuaries.

Key Facts

Asia Free Bear Foundation and Animals Asia have rescued over 1,000 bile farm bears
Bears from bile farms typically suffer from chronic liver disease, bone deformities, and psychological trauma
Rehabilitation requires years of slow habituation to natural environments
Bears show post-traumatic behaviours including stereotypic weaving after rescue
Successful reintroduction to the wild is rarely possible for bears rescued from captivity

Welfare Considerations

Bears rescued from exploitation face complex rehabilitation challenges. Bile farm bears typically have surgically implanted catheters or wounds that require extensive veterinary care. Psychological recovery from chronic confinement and pain takes years. Responsible sanctuaries provide large naturalistic enclosures, appropriate social groupings, and behavioural enrichment. The best sanctuaries focus on lifetime care rather than reintroduction, which is rarely feasible.

What You Can Do

Support accredited bear sanctuaries through donations or adoption programs
Avoid products containing bear bile or bear parts
Report any suspected bear trade to wildlife crime authorities
Visit only sanctuaries with accreditation from bodies like GFAS
Advocate for stronger enforcement of international bear trade bans