Zoos and Captivity

Bear Sanctuary Welfare and Rescue

Bears rescued from bile farms, tourism, and the exotic pet trade require specialized sanctuary care. Their rehabilitation and lifelong welfare needs are complex and resource-intensive.

Key Facts

Moon bears in bile farming are kept in crush cages for years, causing severe physical and psychological damage
The Animals Asia Foundation has rescued over 700 bears from bile farms in China and Vietnam
Bears rescued from circuses and road shows often have severe behavioral problems requiring years of rehabilitation
Bears form strong individual personalities and require individualized welfare assessment and enrichment

Welfare Considerations

Bear sanctuary welfare addresses the long-term consequences of severe abuse. Rescued bears often arrive with physical injuries, stereotypic behaviors, and social development deficits from isolation. Good sanctuary care provides appropriate space, social opportunities, environmental complexity, and patient behavioral rehabilitation. Lifetime care commitment is essential as rehabilitation is rarely complete enough to allow wild release.

What You Can Do

Support reputable bear sanctuaries with GFAS or equivalent accreditation
Never attend bear shows, bear baiting events, or facilities offering bear interaction experiences
Avoid traditional medicine products made from bear bile and advocate for synthetic alternatives
Donate to campaigns ending bear bile farming in countries where it continues