Freedom after two decades: Moon bears Nang and Mua rescued

Welcome home, Nang and Mua

After two decades of confinement on a bear bile farm in Phung Thuong village, moon bears Nang and Mua have been rescued by Animals Asia and transported to our new sanctuary in the serene Bach Ma National Park. Their names, Nang (meaning 'Sun') and Mua (meaning ‘Rain’), highlight the natural beauty of their new surroundings, where they will begin their rehabilitation.

Loading Nang onto the truck for the journey home.

Animals Asia’s Efforts in Phung Thuong

Phung Thuong commune is the biggest bear bile farming hotspot in Vietnam, with 122 bears held across 18 farms. Since 2016, Animals Asia and the Hanoi Forest Protection Department (FPD) have been working tirelessly to end this practice through positive and non-confrontational outreach campaigns.

In collaboration with the local government, schools, and the community, Animals Asia has organised conferences with bear farmers, educational programs about bear protection, and health days with the Traditional Medicine Association to promote herbal alternatives to bear bile..

Animals Asia’s Founder Jill and Vietnam Director Tuan, attend an event to celebrate our long-term partnership with the Forestry Protection Department.

Government Partnership in Action

Like the rescue of Primrose, Snowdrop and Daffodil, the rescue of Nang and Mua was a collaborative effort led by the FPD and Animals Asia. The FPD is committed to safeguarding Vietnam’s wildlife and natural habitats. This year, thanks to our joint efforts, Animals Asia has rescued seven bears from the area. We hope this rescue will inspire other bear bile farmers in Phung Thuong, to relinquish their bears to Animals Asia.

The rescue of Nang and Mua was a collaborative effort led by the FPD and Animals Asia.

Home at last, Nang is transferred to the quarantine area where rehabilitation will begin.

Together, Animals Asia and the Vietnam government are making significant strides towards ending bear bile farming in Vietnam, giving bears like Nang and Mua a chance at a better life.