Bear Sanctuary Welfare Standards

Bears rescued from bile farms, circuses, and roadside attractions require lifetime sanctuary care. Understanding what genuine bear sanctuaries provide helps supporters identify ethical facilities.

Key Facts

Moon bears on bile farms endure surgical procedures and chronic extraction over years
Over 10,000 bears are still held on bile farms in Asia
Rescued bile farm bears often suffer permanent physical damage from extraction equipment
Bears are highly intelligent and need enrichment equivalent to large natural territories
Animals Asia and other organizations operate genuine bear sanctuaries across Asia

Welfare Considerations

Bears rescued from bile farming arrive with severe physical and psychological trauma. Scarring from catheters, malnutrition, and chronic pain require years of veterinary management. Psychological recovery requires patient, enriched environments that allow gradual reintroduction of natural behaviors. Bears who have spent years immobilized in crush cages must relearn walking and climbing. Genuine sanctuaries prioritize lifetime care and behavioral recovery over visitor volume.

What You Can Do

Support Animals Asia and Free the Bears Fund in their bile farm rescue operations
Never purchase bear bile products or traditional medicines derived from bears
Advocate for governments to close remaining bile farms
Report suspected bear tourism involving inadequate welfare to wildlife authorities
Donate specifically to sanctuary operational costs rather than just rescue operations