A British animal expert who has overseen the feeding, watering and care of more than 150 bears has shared her most memorable moments as she bids farewell to Animals Asia’s Vietnam sanctuary.

Sarah Dempsey has held the role of Bear Manager at Animals Asia’s sanctuary at Tam Dao national park for the last three-and-a-half years. But as she prepares to return to her native United Kingdom she looks back fondly on her time.

Sarah said one of the highlights of her work at the centre was seeing the bond form between a pair of female sun bears who had both fallen victim to traffickers.

Sassy was a small cub when she arrived at the sanctuary in 2010, and had turned four years old when Layla arrived as a cub in 2014. Together they lived in adjacent dens for eight months, giving them plenty of time to become acquainted in a non-threatening environment. But despite how well the two bears got on, Sarah said she still held her breath as they were brought together for the first time without the separating bars of their dens as Sassy had suffered severe trauma prior to her arrival at VBRC. The poor bear was left suffering from psychological scarring that meant it had not previously been possible to integrate her until they found the perfect match.

She said: 

“When the slides between their two dens opened, Layla rushed through to meet new pal Sassy – who looked like she couldn't quite believe that another bear was standing in front of her. That shared moment marked the end of solitude for both youngsters and was celebrated with happy wrestling as an excited Layla jumped all over a very tolerant Sassy.

“It was a very emotional integration and it moved me to tears to see Sassy finally play and have the chance for positive social interaction for the first time with another sun bear. Life had been lonely for Sassy but she finally had the companion she needs in friendly, playful little Layla.”

Before coming to Animals Asia, Sarah worked at London Zoo where she worked in the herpetology department, and was the primary Komodo dragon keeper. She had read online about the work of Animals Asia while doing her undergraduate degree in animal behaviour and welfare, and later met two employees at a conference. When she saw an advertisement for the Bear Manager post a year later, applying was a no brainer.

She said:

“When I first arrived in Vietnam I couldn't believe the contrast after coming from London. I was very glad of the change though and have really enjoyed living in Asia - it has definitely given me wanderlust and a taste for life overseas.” 

The role of Bear Manager involves overseeing teams of local workers who provide daily care and management of the sanctuary’s bears, as well as liaising with the veterinary team to manage various operations.

She said:

“My time working with Animals Asia has further opened my eyes to the horrors of the cruel bear bile industry, but the amazing rehabilitation and recovery of the bears that we rescue is the complete flipside to that and makes everything so worthwhile. It has further amazed me to see animals’ ability to trust in people following the most intense cruelty.” 

Not that she could ever be replaced, but Sarah imparted a little friendly advice for whoever takes over her position:

“At times it may be difficult and you'll see things you will never forget but seeing the bears feel grass beneath their paws for the first time, playing with another bear or just enjoying good, appropriate food and a safe and enriching environment will make every second of it beyond worthwhile.”

Jill Robinson, CEO and founder of Animals Asia, said:

“Sarah, we are so very sad to see you go, but we will never ever forget the love, the care and the dedication you brought to the sanctuary and to the lives of our beloved bears. I know they will miss you a great deal, as will the whole Animals Asia community. Thank you for these wonderful years of care and kindness, good luck in your new journey, and carry the bears in your heart.

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