19 March 2024:  Animals Asia and Hanoi Forest Protection Department hosted a collaborative press conference in Phung Thuong commune - the locality that holds the record of having the largest number of captive bears in the country - with the aims of strengthening the management of captive bears until there are no bears left in the commune, raising community awareness of bear protection and conservation, improving health conditions for locals, and creating a living environment in harmony with nature.

A highlight of the press conference was the official launch of Animals Asia's new herbal rubbing balm that contains five of the main herbal alternatives to bear bile, combined with other herbs to treat human aches and pains. Approved by the Ministry of Health for circulation in the market, the balm has already seen impressive feedback from clinical trials of the residents of Phung Thuong, with a huge majority eager to continue its use.

This small change will reduce the demand for bear bile and help consign bear bile farming to the annals of history in Vietnam.

In accordance with our 2024 Bear Protection Awareness Program, Hanoi Forest Protection Department and Animals Asia will continue to organise activities and events together to promote bear protection - through health consultations and giveaways of bear bile alternative products to residents; holding competitions at schools based on the theme of protecting bears; planting herbal gardens with medicinal plants and installing bear protection signboards in communitites.

Read more about this incredible event on Jill's Blog and help us fulfil our promise to leave no bear behind as we end bear bile farming in Vietnam.

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