Following the confirmation of four more bear deaths in Halong Bay, an emergency government meeting takes place today to finally address the issue.

In this open letter to Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung demanding the release of the bears into our care, we say – no more bear deaths.  Please show mercy.

Since Animals Asia’s report in November last year exposed 49 bears in critical condition in the region, an astonishing 30 bears have died, most likely from starvation.

Dear Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung,

Three years ago Animals Asia turned to you in our darkest hour. On that occasion when it looked likely that we would lose our sanctuary in Vietnam – you stepped in. You were the difference between continuing our good work in partnership with your government and 104 bears going back into cages.

It was a momentous decision which reflected Vietnam’s commitment to continuing to protect its indigenous wildlife and fighting cruelty.

Now we must ask you again for your help. Bears are dying in large numbers in Halong Bay.  A place of beauty and international renown is being tainted by animal cruelty.

Despite pleas from Animals Asia and more than 100,000 people around the world for the authorities to intervene and enforce the nation’s animal protection laws, there remains no clear mandate. There is still no timeline for us to rescue the endangered moon bears being allowed to starve to death in Halong Bay.

The eyes of animal lovers around the world and in Vietnam are focused on Halong Bay.

Animals Asia has presented the authorities with a breakdown of how the farmers have broken Vietnam’s laws that are designed to protect the country’s moon bears. We have also filed reports clearly detailing their perilous state of health. We informed the authorities they were dying and they continue to do so.

And week-by-week we are seeing more bear deaths due to a lack of definitive action.

We ask now for action. We ask for the laws of Vietnam to be upheld and the nation to show that it is serious in its commitment to protect the country’s natural heritage for future generations. We ask you to reflect a tide of change that is sweeping across Vietnam – with a younger generation refusing to accept animal cruelty.

Truly, we are down to our last chance to save the remaining moon bears.  All we ask is for you to allow us to make these bears well again. To give them the life and care they deserve.

Please help us to save the bears,

We need a clear timeline and legal mandate to rescue these bears.

This is a time for compassion and a time for action.

Thank you.

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