Emily Drayton recognised by University of Sydney for her achievements helping hundreds of moon bears recover from bile farm cruelty.

As Senior Veterinarian at China’s only bear rescue centre, 31 year-old Emily Drayton has achieved more in her short career than many can hope for in a lifetime.

She manages the veterinary staff at Animals Asia’s China Bear Rescue Centre responsible for the care of nearly 200 moon bears, a species listed as vulnerable by the IUCN and endangered by CITES.

The vast majority of the bears have been rescued from bear bile farms, where they were often held in cages so small that they could not stand up or turn around, with their bile painfully extracted.

This cruelty manifests in a range of disabilities, diseases, infections, and psychological ailments which Emily treats with her team. 

It is thanks to Emily that these bears can overcome the cruelty they have faced and go on to live happy, active lives – despite their ongoing disabilities and long-term health problems.

Now Emily – who is originally from New South Wales, Australia – has been recognised by the University of Sydney, where she graduated from Veterinary Studies in 2010.

At the 2018 Alumni Awards, Emily received the Young Achievement award for exceptional contribution to her field.

Emily Drayton said:

“I am very honoured and humbled to receive this award. It is very rewarding when hard work is recognised but in truth my work isn’t possible without the help of a huge amount of people.

“Rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for the bears requires the expertise, time and patience of an entire team from bear carers to vet nurses and everyone in between.

“This award really is for all of us and hopefully it will bring the truth of what is being done to these poor bears to an even larger audience.”

As well as helping bears, Emily’s expertise was also vital in the rehabilitation of a dog called Tuffy who was scalded with boiling water and thrown from a balcony.

Despite suffering from burns on 60% of his body, Emily and her team were able to save him and today Tuffy enjoys a joy-filled active life with his new guardian.

Emily has helped raise awareness off bear bile farming by featuring in the documentary. “Jill Robinson: To the Moon and Back” and starred in an Australian ad campaign for Animals Asia.

Animals Asia Founder and CEO, Jill Robinson MBE – who refers to Emily by her nickname “Eddie” – said:

“Tending to bears who have suffered unimaginable cruelties can easily break the spirit of the most driven veterinarian, but Eddie’s love and passion, her compassion, professionalism, expertise and drive shine through every day.

“These qualities don’t just get her through, they make a world of difference to the bears she is dedicated to helping and lift her whole team.

“She has accomplished so much, yet her humility and kindness is constant. She is loved and respected by the whole organisation, and an absolute inspiration to us all  – we’re just so proud of her.”

The University of Sydney alumni awards ceremony took place on Tuesday 31 July. The awards honour some of Australia’s foremost thinkers and brightest achievers by recognising and celebrating how their exceptional contributions, innovation and generosity of spirit have enriched the lives of others.

BACK