Staff at Animals Asia’s Vietnam sanctuary said their farewells to moon bear Simon this week after the seriously ill bear’s condition failed to improve.

Since his rescue from a remote island earlier this year, Simon’s health has been an ongoing concern but staff remained determined to see the long-suffering bear feel grass under his paws again.

Sadly, his major neurological and physical disabilities prevented Simon from making it into a green enclosure, so staff took the unusual step of bringing the grass to him.

Animals Asia’s Vietnam Bear and Vet Team Director Annemarie Weegenaar said:

“Sadly Simon never made it outside on the grass, so the team brought grass to his den instead. He enjoyed the grass a lot: sniffing it, eating it and even sitting and lying on it. Everyone who got to know Simon was touched by his gentle nature and it is so sad he could not be with us for longer. ”

Blind, brain damaged and lame, staff were left with no choice but to free Simon from his long years of suffering.

Resident Veterinary Surgeon Weng Yan Ng said:

“From first glance it was apparent that Simon had major neurological issues - he was blind, extremely underweight and his left forelimb dragged, causing him to fall over as he spun in circles. From the dark cell on a remote island where we found him, we brought him back to the sanctuary in the hope tender loving care could heal him.

“Sadly, it is likely that he had been suffering from a severe infection in his brain for several years prior to his rescue, which unfortunately resulted in permanent change. This meant that even with good nutrition and the best care we could give him, he failed to improve and his neurological signs deteriorated until his quality of life became less than optimal.”

From a tight cage on a remote island to living in a den in Animals Asia’s cub house, Simon’s challenging rescue allowed him to enjoy some of the highlights of his life as he enjoyed his first experiences of kindness, tasty food, sunshine and even the touch of his neighbour, sun bear juvenile Goldie.

Animals Asia founder and CEO, Jill Robinson MBE said:

“It was the easiest thing in the world to fall in love with this brave and gentle bear. A beautiful, innocent soul, Simon was determined to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, despite all the odds stacked against him. Thank you, Simon for your forgiveness and for the privilege of knowing and understanding more about you and all bears like you. 

“Wishing you peace, and the pleasure of leaving your broken body behind. Wishing you endless juicy watermelon, turf and grass, and wishing you friends in the afterlife that were never able to join you in this one.

“You know how much you were loved, take it with you from us all, your family. So sorry for the long life you missed.”

Animals Asia Bear Team Supervisor Hoang Van Chien said:

“Our Simon suffered greatly from a dreadful disease which was painful for all of us to see. We tried our best to provide the best care in the world in the hope it would help ease his pain.

“Sometimes, we saw him sitting in the corner near the door facing the green forest outside. Maybe he thought about going out, playing on the green, soft grass under summer rain or just enjoying beautiful sunshine. Perhaps he thought of a place where there is no suffering, no disease - just endless love and happiness. His leaving is an inconsolable grief to all of us. We cannot say anything, but hope he now finally rests in peace. Goodbye, Simon.”

Simon is survived by his friend Sam who spent many years in the adjacent cage. Thankfully Sam is growing stronger and progressing well.

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