Being Leon

Well he's not the most handsome bear in our family, but what Leon misses in looks, he more than makes up for in charisma! A gangly, fun-loving bear who has been with us in China for years, Leon's immune system had literally crashed during his terrible years on a bile farm.

The legacy of this sees a body with sparse and erratic fur – but a bear so beautiful of character too. Watching as he lies on his hammock in the sun, casually playing with bamboo, before being bounced on by best friend Bao Be, my heart leaps with love for a bear who so innocently inspires staff and visitors alike.